by Sun Meilan

Created on: May 12, 2010   Last Updated: November 12, 2011

Age discrimination is something that can be very difficult to prevent, simply because many people aren't even aware that they are being discriminatory. It may take the reporting of case of age discrimination for it to become a topic that is dealt with. However, it is better to avoid it happening in the first place. Here are some steps to prevent age discrimination in your business.

*Communicate the age discrimination policy to staff

Your business should have a policy about age discrimination. Ensure that all members of staff know where it is and are reminded about it regularly. Placing it on a bulletin board and the company intranet would be a good idea. You may want to do the same with all company policies so that it doesn't seem as if you are making an issue out of it yourself. 

*Provide training for all staff

Staff should receive training in relevant aspects of the business - this should include employees of all age groups. It may seem pointless to train someone who is probably going to retire in a couple of years' time; nevertheless, in the long run, they could well be there for longer than some of the younger members of staff. 

*Set up a mentoring system

A mentoring system, set up so that each pairing is made up of an older and a younger employee, is a good way to ensure that staff members understand each other. It does not necessarily follow that an older employee is going to be more knowledgeable than a younger one; the decision should be based on their experience, rather than their age. 

*Show respect for older workers

Older workers can sometimes be seen as a bit of a nuisance. They are there for the money and are just looking forward to retirement - or so you think. Don't let your own discrimination show through; if you do, other members of staff will think that they are allowed to behave in the same way. Always show respect for people older than yourself and other people will follow. 

*Avoid making age an issue

Although you need to be aware of any age discrimination in the workplace, you still want to avoid bringing up the issue unless you have to. If you are constantly stressing the need to be polite to older employees and emphasising their positive qualities, it could result in the younger employees feeling resentful. Show them how to behave by action, rather than constantly talking about it. 

*Deal with any discrimination as it arises

When there are any issues to do with age discrimination, deal with them as quickly as you can. The sooner you do so, the sooner everyone can move on without the situation festering. In the worst-case scenario, the employee being discriminated against could decide to seek legal advice and sue - so anything you can do to avoid that happening is an advantage. 

As with any form of discrimination, age discrimination is not necessary and can cause a great deal of bad feeling. Follow the above steps to prevent it happening in your business. 

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