Companies must be aware of the treatment of all employees in the workplace. Before making a hiring or promotion decision, managers should ensure that the decision is not being made on the sole basis of age. In addition, companies should try to provide equal benefits to older and younger workers in order to avoid a potential violation of the ADEA.

Companies can take an active stance against age discrimination by hiring employees of all ages. If an employee has the qualifications for a position, he or she should be hired regardless of age. A diverse workplace is a first sign that a company does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age.

Overcoming and Preventing Reverse Age Discrimination

The ADEA essentially prohibits ageism in the workplace. It specifically forbids the exclusion of applicants or employees from positions on the sole basis of their age. Currently, the ADEA only protects employees who are 40 to 70 years old. Several cases, such as General Dynamics Land Sys., Inc. v. Cline, have made their way to the Supreme Court and have challenged the current age limits of the ADEA. These Supreme Court cases seek to expand the age limitations currently imposed by the ADEA. Young members of the workplace are pushing back and asserting that the ADEA should provide stronger protections against reverse age discrimination.

Every company should train employees in the basics of the ADEA. If employees understand the basic forms of age discrimination, they may be less likely to unwittingly engage in this discrimination. They may be more conscious of their statements and jokes in regards to age in the workplace. Companies may also want to post the terms of the ADEA in a public area within an office or corporate building. This can ensure that all employees have the opportunity to view the ADEA and understand its terms.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Reduced benefits, reduced salary, loss of respect, loss of promotions and increased workload demand are just some of the ways in which young supervisors are experiencing age discrimination. In some cases, a young individual may not receive a new job solely due to his or her age. 
Examples of Reverse Age Discrimination

Age discrimination has become a major issue in society for several reasons. USA Today reports that age discrimination currently occurs due to a weak economy, delayed retirements of older workers and generational misperceptions. See http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2003-10-07-reverseage_x.htm.
As society continues to create stereotypes surrounding the millennial generation, young supervisors and managers are finding it more difficult to gain respect from older co-workers and colleagues. Age discrimination goes both ways, and young employees in positions of authority are experiencing this type of discrimination in a variety of ways. Age discrimination is clearly prohibited under federal laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Those who experience age discrimination may wish to consult with a lawyer about asserting their civil rights in a court of law. A company may face penalties and fines if it engages in age discrimination.
Reverse Age Discrimination in the Workplace

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