The State of Texas protects employees against age discrimination, but what steps can a worker take when victimized? Age discrimination can occur subtly and over a period of time, so it may be difficult to prove. The best way to combat age discrimination is to be observant. When unlawful occurrences happen in the workplace, older employees should keep meticulous records of the events.
According to SHRM.org, more than half of employees 45 years or older report experiences of age discrimination. It can be devastating to older workers, especially when they are in the latter years of their career productivity. Companies can wean out older employees by targeting youthful employees in their hiring processes, or by engaging in workplace harassment. Sometimes, they may also offer better benefits to younger workers. All of these unlawful strategies can save the company countless dollars in unpaid benefits. If employees witness such patterns, they should record each instance to determine the trends.
Some cases of discrimination can be far more urgent, however. For instance, when a company assigns older employees jobs they cannot perform, it might mean a reduction in hours. Or, it could even mean the employees have to resign altogether. When this sort of thing happens, it might be wise to speak to someone in human resources.
Speaking out against this type of age discrimination for fear of retaliation can be intimidating, but there is protection. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, retaliation against any employee for whistleblowing is illegal. Older workers should feel encouraged, know their rights and keep a watchful eye on the methods of their employers.
