New Delhi: A recent report released on Monday revealed that 71 percent of employees in Indian multinational corporations (MNCs) headquartered in the country observed age-related biases in job advertisements for their roles, compared to 57 percent in other organization types.
The findings, presented by Randstad India, a prominent recruitment agency, underscored that 40 percent of the surveyed workforce has encountered or witnessed ageism in their workplace.
“Ageism remains a prevalent but often overlooked unconscious bias across various organizational levels. Overcoming ageism necessitates a deliberate effort to identify and challenge stereotypes, fostering an environment where both experience and fresh perspectives are equally respected,” stated Viswanath PS, Managing Director & CEO of Randstad India.
The survey encompassed insights from approximately 1,000 Indian workers, revealing that younger age groups tend to encounter more age discrimination than older cohorts. Among the respondents, 42 percent of women reported experiencing or witnessing ageism, slightly higher than the 37 percent reported by men.
Employees within Indian-headquartered MNCs reported a higher incidence of age-related biases, with 41 percent acknowledging such biases in their workplace. In contrast, 29 percent of respondents from MNCs headquartered outside India acknowledged similar biases.
Meena Ganesh, Chairperson and Co-founder of Portea Medical, emphasized the need for inclusive skill development programs that cater not only to younger employees but also to older generations. These programs aim to acquaint older workers with evolving work methods, technological advancements, and business transformations.
The report additionally highlighted the specific challenges faced by demographic groups with caregiving responsibilities, physical or mental impairments, and diverse sexual orientations, who often experience heightened instances of ageism in the workplace.
