On 12 June AmCham’s HR Committee hosted an open meeting on embracing experience and overcoming ageism in the workplace.
What is ageism? “Ageism, or age discrimination, is the practice of unfairly treating a person based on age. In the workplace, this might take the form of someone being overlooked for a job or promotion, the denial of benefits to older employees, or early termination of employment”. (Gartner)
It stands out as one of the few remaining prejudices that society still finds acceptable today, so we invited a handful of highly accomplished professionals who are actively researching and trying to draw attention to ageist practices and their negative impact on society and businesses as well.
Our presenter guest, Katalin Tardos, Professor at International Business School & Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Sciences, Institute for Sociology, presented her research that showed how this type of age discrimination is present in many companies’ workforces in one way or another. She also emphasized the importance of auditing age diversity and increasing positive age awareness through programs and practices.
During the roundtable discussion, panelists talked about the most relevant skills and personality traits that help to keep the 50+ age group competitive or even irreplaceable in the job market. Dr. Andrea Juhos, Managing Partner of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH), moderator of the panel emphasized the importance of staying curious and being open towards other generations, thus establishing a channel and learning opportunity between different age groups.
Additionally, Erzsébet Antal, CEO of Profirent Rental, reflected on the significance of life-long learning, thus developing resilience and becoming more flexible towards the new demands of not only the labor market but the challenges of life. Lastly, Kitti Dobi, HR Director of the recently established MBH Bank Nyrt, introduced how they aim to mitigate the effects of ageism with a broad range of programs for all generations, such as their unique Senior Talent Program for colleagues above the age of 60.
Although companies, their leaders, and HR professionals can play a great part in changing age prejudices, other actors such as the media, the government, NGOs, and we individuals have to play our part too.
Please find more photos, in the Gallery.
