Report finds 39% of younger workers faced discrimination or harassment
A new report from Diversity Council Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission found 39% of workers aged 18 to 29 faced discrimination or harassment at work in the past 12 months.
By comparison, 27% of workers aged 30 to 54 reported discrimination or harassment, while 19% of workers aged 55 and over did.
The research focused on what happens after people are hired, rather than age discrimination in recruitment.
Younger workers were more likely to face sexual harassment and everyday exclusion, including being ignored, left out of social activities and judged on assumptions about their abilities.
Older workers were the most likely to say they could be themselves at work. However, workers aged 55 and over were significantly less likely to get development opportunities, mentoring and career support.
Diversity Council Australia chief executive Catherine Hunter said: “This report shows age continues to play a quiet but powerful role in shaping workplace experiences.”
Hunter said assumptions about someone being too young, too old, not ready or past their prime can shape access to opportunity, recognition and support.
Younger women and older women
The report found age-based exclusion was also shaped by gender and caring responsibilities.
Younger women reported the lowest levels of team inclusion, while older women were the least likely to receive recognition or career development opportunities.
Young workers with caring responsibilities were significantly more likely to face discrimination, harassment and everyday exclusion.
Hunter said: “What’s also clear is that age does not operate in isolation, factors like gender and caring responsibilities can shape how these barriers are felt.”
Employers need to improve access to career development, support flexible work, challenge age stereotypes, strengthen complaint processes and build leadership capability.
Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM said: “One of the most striking things we learned is the gap between what people experience and what they report.”
Ageism can affect workers at both ends of the age spectrum, even when people do not formally report it.
Hunter said Australia faces skills shortages, demographic shifts and longer working lives, which makes support for workers of all ages important to organisational resilience and performance.
