A new survey conducted by Talker Research highlights growing concerns about ageism among baby boomers in the workforce. With many nearing or past retirement age, a significant portion of this generation feels vulnerable to being pushed out of their jobs due to age, health, and evolving industry standards. The survey also revealed generational differences in workplace outlooks, with younger employees like millennials and Gen Z showing less anxiety about how aging might impact their careers.
Key Facts:
- 37% of baby boomers fear being “aged out” of their jobs.
- 42% of boomers worry that health or mobility issues will affect their job performance.
- Gen X workers share similar concerns, with 50% fearing an increased workload as they age.
- Millennials and Gen Z are less worried about age-related career impacts, with only 17% of millennials and 12% of Gen Z expressing significant concern.
- Experts recommend older workers stay relevant by upskilling and building strong professional networks.
The Rest of The Story:
The Talker Research survey, conducted in early August, polled 2,000 employed Americans to gauge their feelings on job security and aging. Among the baby boomer respondents, a clear anxiety about ageism emerged. More than a third of these workers, aged 58 to 76, fear losing their jobs as they get older, and many are concerned about declining productivity and potential health issues affecting their work.
Career coach Michelle Enjoli pointed out that ageism can manifest when industries evolve faster than workers’ skills. “The most common case I see with ageism is when an employee is affected due to the evolution of an industry or business,” Enjoli told Newsweek, noting that older workers are often passed over if their skills become outdated.
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Generational shifts are also changing the makeup of the workforce. Millennials, now the largest group in the workforce, outnumber baby boomers by almost two to one, while Gen Z is just starting their careers. As younger workers dominate, many boomers feel left behind, particularly when it comes to adopting new technologies or adjusting to rapidly changing industries.
Despite the growing concerns, experts like Enjoli suggest practical steps for older workers to stay relevant. “I recommend older employees build a valuable personal brand through consistent upskilling and networking. In an ever-changing business environment, it is critical to allocate time for staying relevant in your industry,” she said.
Commentary:
The concerns about ageism and job security among baby boomers are not without merit. With younger generations bringing different skills and work habits into the marketplace, older employees often find themselves in a vulnerable position. As industries embrace more digital technologies, such as AI, and flexible work environments, workers who do not adapt risk being left behind. However, the gap can be bridged by continual learning and networking, as Enjoli suggests.
On the other hand, it’s worth considering that while baby boomers are more anxious about their future in the workforce, millennials and Gen Z may face their own challenges as they age. Today’s workplace dynamics favor youth and innovation, but the generational cycle will likely see similar concerns arise among younger workers down the road.
The Bottom Line:
As the workforce shifts and industries evolve, baby boomers are facing the very real issue of ageism. While younger generations feel more secure in their jobs, older workers need to take proactive steps to remain competitive. Upskilling, networking, and staying abreast of industry trends are critical for maintaining career longevity.
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The evolving workplace may favor youth today, but aging is a challenge that every generation will eventually face.
