In this last episode of the year, I reflect on what I’ve learned in 1.5 years of podcasting about ageism in the workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s a big deal for all of us, whether you’re fresh out of school or deep into your career, so let’s roll!

Did you know having a positive mindset about aging can add 7.5 years to your life? That’s more than quitting smoking or exercising! Mind-blowing, right? But thanks to the media and the beauty industry, stereotypes about aging make it harder for everyone to feel good about getting older.

Surveys from Resume Now and AARP show that up to 90% of workers face age discrimination. And it’s not just older folks—“reverse ageism” hits younger workers too. Meanwhile, multigenerational workplaces aren’t just nice to have; they’re productivity powerhouses, boosting team performance by 20%.

The financial hit? Brace yourself—ageism costs the U.S. economy $850 billion a year! On top of that, issues like menopause in the workplace are costing companies millions in lost productivity. 

But there’s reason to hope! Listeners have shared some inspiring success stories about landing jobs through their networks. Plus, collective action is making waves—like holding companies accountable for ageist practices (looking at you, Indeed). Change is happening, folks, and I’m here for it.

So buckle up - this episode is going to change the way you think and get you geared up and revved up for what’s next!

Join the Event with AARP on December 9, 2024:

-Send an email to [email protected] to reserve your seat.

Sign up for One-on-One Coaching:

-Send an email to [email protected] or a message at  https://www.itgetslateearly.com/collaborate. 

Maureen LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

-Generations Report by Protiviti and Dr. Daniel Jolles - https://www.protiviti.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/lse-generations-survey-report.pdf 

-EEOC Report On Diversity In The Tech Workforce - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022 

-Women in Leadership Face Ageism at Every Age - https://hbr.org/2023/06/women-in-leadership-face-ageism-at-every-age 

-McKinsey & Company’s Report On Women In The Workplace  - https://www.flipsnack.com/78C9ACFF8D6/women-in-the-workplace-2024/full-view.html 

-Resume Now Survey on Ageism - https://www.resume-now.com/job-resources/careers/ageism-in-the-workplace 

-AARP Research On Age Discrimination - https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2022/workforce-trends-older-adults-age-discrimination.html 

-Almost Half Of Recruiters Think 57 Is Too Old For A Job - https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/entrepreneurs/article/almost-half-of-recruiters-think-57-is-too-old-for-a-job-gxpn6nsfj 

Previous Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

-Daniel Jolles: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/294a48ae/what-do-older-workers-bring-to-the-table-with-inclusion-researcher-daniel-jolles  

-Tamsen Fadal: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/4802f24b/how-menopause-affects-productivity-at-work-corporate-americas-neglect-of-womens-health-and-the-billion-dollar-cost-to-businesses-with-tamsen-fadal  

-Bradley Schurman: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/24dc20c7/the-super-age-how-demographic-change-impacts-us-all-with-author-bradley-schurman  

-Emilia D'Anzica: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/3a7eb073/fired-for-being-42-the-insane-age-discrimination-case-no-lawyer-would-take-and-picking-up-the-pieces-with-over-40-founder-emilia-danzica   

-Keith Sonderling: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/381130db/how-youre-getting-discriminated-against-at-work-part-2-with-eeoc-commissioner-keith-sonderling  

-Lori Prutsman: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/20160be5/over-40-in-tech-an-ex-amazon-recruiter-tells-you-what-to-expect-with-lori-prutsman

In This Episode:

-Lesson 1: Ageism is real

-Lesson 2: Ageism affects everyone

-Lesson 3: How your view on aging impacts longevity

-Lesson 4: Ageism costs companies billions

-Lesson 5: Women’s health in the workplace is ignored

-Lesson 6: Demographic changes demand immediate action

-Lesson 7: Age discrimination laws aren’t enough to protect workers

-Lesson 8: Why education about ageism is crucial

-Lesson 9: Age bias in layoffs and hiring practices

-Lesson 10: Hope and the power of networks

-Community efforts and success stories

-Upcoming events and opportunities

And much more!

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/