Over the past two years, perceptions of older Americans took a deep dive downward and those negative perceptions – that older people are frail and weak and, sadly, disposable – have crept into the workplace. In fact, before the pandemic, an AARP survey showed 61 percent of people ages 40 to 65 had either seen or experienced ageism in the workplace. In May of 2021 that number jumped to 78 percent, the highest number AARP has ever recorded since they began tracking in 2003.

My guest for this episode, Patti Temple Rocks, is passionate about discussing and fighting age discrimination as well as helping people understand how ageism stunts business growth and reflects poorly on our society. Temple Rocks is also an author and we’re discussing her book,”I’m Still Not Done: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace.“

In part one of this two-part episode, listen in as we discuss why retirees are returning to the workplace and the value they provide, why senior employees are less likely to quiet quit and why organizations should care, the hidden cost of turnover that organizations risk by excluding workers over 50, and more.