Older workers still being left behind, report finds

Australians over 55 may feel comfortable in their workplaces, but new research suggests they’re still being quietly overlooked when it comes to promotions, mentoring and career development.

For most Australians over 55, this won’t come as a surprise.

Many of us are working longer than ever, whether by choice or financial necessity, but a new national report suggests older employees are still being quietly sidelined at work.

Research released by Diversity Council Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission has found employees aged 55 and over are significantly less likely than younger colleagues to receive career development opportunities, mentoring or professional support.

The findings come from a nationwide study examining how age shapes workplace experiences once people are already employed, rather than during recruitment where age discrimination is already well documented.

While younger workers aged 18 to 29 reported the highest rates of workplace discrimination and harassment, older Australians faced a different challenge.

Rather than being openly targeted, many reported missing out on opportunities that could help them grow their careers or remain competitive in a changing workforce.

The report found older employees were actually the most likely to say they could be themselves at work, however, they were also the least likely to access professional development or mentoring.

Older women were identified as being particularly disadvantaged, reporting the lowest levels of recognition and career development support of any age group.

Diversity Council Australia chief executive Catherine Hunter said age continued to shape workplace experiences in subtle but powerful ways.

“Too often, assumptions about someone being too young, too old, not ready, or past their prime influence access to opportunity, recognition and support,” Diversity Council Australia CEO Catherine Hunter said.

“As Australia continues to navigate skills shortages, demographic shifts and longer working lives, the ability to attract, retain and support people of all ages is not just a matter of fairness, it is essential to organisational resilience and performance.”

Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald said many Australians had simply come to accept ageism as part of working life.

“Ageism, whether against younger or older workers, is so deeply normalised many simply accept it as the status quo,” he said.

“It is woven into the fabric of workplace culture, and people are rarely empowered to call it out.”

The report recommends employers improve access to training and career development for workers of all ages, expand flexible work options, challenge age stereotypes and strengthen workplace complaints processes.

For the growing number of Australians working into their 60s and beyond, the message is clear: experience remains valuable, but many still have to fight for the same opportunities as everyone else.

As former Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson once warned: “The culture we accept now will be the culture we inherit.”

Have you experienced age discrimination at work after 55?

Were you overlooked for a promotion? Told you were “overqualified”? Missed out on training? Or perhaps you’ve found an employer who truly values experience. We’d love to hear your story. Email [email protected] or find our Facebook post on this article.