Getting Back Into The Workforce May Be Hard For Many After Covid-19
Ageism is being brought to the forefront of many conversations about the Coronavirus and its impact on the unemployment rates around the world. While individuals of all ages are losing their jobs because of Covid-19, it’s being hypothesized that older workers will have a harder time getting back into the workforce as life returns back to normal in the future. The reason? Ageism.
As the millions of unemployed begin submitting resumes, we will see an uptick in ageism realizations. People who never considered ageism before who now notice that it is a major problem throughout society.
Companies will have thousands of resumes to sift through, and many difficult job placement decisions to make. Unfortunately, due to ageism, older individuals find their resumes don’t make it to the top of as many resume piles as they once might have. They receive less phone calls from recruiters, and less interview opportunities.
It’s not because they are less qualified. Often it is because they are believed to be too expensive, perceived as having less available years in them to work, or are expected to know less about topical programs or trends. These beliefs, not backed by data, are detrimental to workers and companies. Individuals are missing out on jobs they would be a great fit for, and organizations are losing out on incredible, smart, hardworking employees.
So, how do things change?
Companies Need to Make a Conscious Effort to Eliminate Age Bias
As organizations begin to hire again, they need to be actively cautious about the decisions they make. They need to open jobs to all ages, and ensure they are viewing resumes across all age groups. They need to be sure they aren’t letting age stereotypes keep them from hiring the right person for the job.
Workers Need to Have Honest Conversations
In interviews, people may find themselves holding back from making comments about their experience so they seem younger. Instead, they should be having transparent conversations that convince recruiters that age is just a number, and that experience is an important item they can bring to the table for the role and for the company.
We Need to Be on the Lookout as a Society
We need to watch for ageism in our society, and talk about it when we see it. Keeping it behind the curtain doesn’t help us make changes that work towards eliminating ageism around the world. Opening dialogue educates individuals, and with knowledge change can come. By being a part of the conversation, you’re playing an important role in pushing ageism out of your own life and out of society.
