Ageism

Definition and Meaning

Discrimination, bias, or unfair treatment of employees or job candidates by their age instead of their skills/contributions is defined as age discrimination. In recruiting/human resources, age discrimination affects hiring/promotion opportunities, training opportunities, and workplace culture. All of these areas have a potential impact on overall diversity within an organisation while posing legal/ethical risks.

Key Highlights of Agesim

• Fair recruitment and hiring processes impact
• Workplace diversity & inclusion of workers
• Limits the opportunity for workers to grow, develop themselves, and move forward in their careers.
• Decreasing staff morale and engagement, particularly among experienced workers.
• Creates compliance and reputational risk for companies.

Compliance with Legalities in India

There is no standalone law regarding Ageism towards employment in India; however, several prohibitive laws/upgrades exist against different forms of age discrimination:

• The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their age by way of Articles 14 and 16 (Equality and Equal Protection).
• Decisions made by employers which are not fair due to someone’s age could also be subject to still be challenged by employees under labour service laws.
• Employers, therefore, are encouraged to have policies regarding the non-discrimination policy and equal opportunity included in their HR processes.

“There are no laws specifically that provide for the legal hurdles of age discrimination\ ageism as a concept.”