Signs of Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Age discrimination runs rampant in today’s workforce, but it may not be clear whether you have a valid legal claim and a right to compensation. If you believe you are experiencing age discrimination in your employment, how can you prove it? Remember that age discrimination can take many different forms. The following 5 signs of age discrimination in the workplace are examples of evidence our employment lawyers often see in their cases.

Age discrimination runs rampant in today’s workforce, but it may not be clear whether you have a valid legal claim and a right to compensation. If you believe you are experiencing age discrimination in your employment, how can you prove it? Remember that age discrimination can take many different forms. The following 5 signs of age discrimination in the workplace are examples of evidence our employment lawyers often see in their cases:

1. Harassment and/or derogatory comments. Victims of age discrimination may hear derogatory comments related to their age and retirement or references to their age compared to their fellow workers. If you are a target of age-based comments or feel harassed because of your age, document each event. Getting made fun of for your age, being called names, or being bullied into retirement could be evidence of age discrimination.
2. Disparate treatment. Age discrimination may take the form of different treatment between employees. If a group of older employees is suddenly laid off or if a group of younger employees is promoted or given new opportunities, you may have a case of age discrimination.
3. Denied promotions or opportunities. If a younger, less qualified employee was chosen for a promotion, you could be a victim of age discrimination. Younger employees may also be given better leads, assignments or new opportunities which could also constitute age discrimination.
4. Discriminatory hiring patterns. An employer that shows a pattern of discriminatory hiring practices, including only hiring young employees or turning down older employees for less qualified applicants, may be engaging in systematic discrimination against older workers.
5. Forced retirement or policies that penalize older workers. If you have been handed a severance agreement and asked to resign because of your senior status, or forced into unfair terms related to retirement, you may be a victim of age discrimination.

If you suspect that you are a victim of discrimination, remember that you have employment rights. Whether you were denied a position, experienced harassment, or you have been handed a severance package, an experienced lawyer should review your potential claims. For more information about your rights, please call our employment lawyers (612) 252-3570. Our Minneapolis, Minnesota attorneys are prepared to investigate your claim, assess personal and financial damages, and aggressively pursue your case.