Ethics What Gen Z Doesn't Understand About Ageism

Ageism is not a new problem in the workplace, but it is an old one. And as younger generations enter the workplace, filled with zeal for diversity and thirsting for inclusion, the problem of ageism is just getting worse over time. 

For me, that came in the form of not getting the lead role on a big project at work. It isn't the CEO's fault - I've known him for decades, he's a good guy. It's because the equity acolytes of the entry level employee resource groups are clamoring for what they call "new faces" in leadership roles. 

Yeah, "new faces." I know. 

Ageism rears its ugly, wrinkled head in nearly every industry. It's not just tech. Pay attention to how people talk about top performers like Tom Brady. Always in terms of his age. 

And microaggressions abound. Maintenance threw away my yogurt because it had been in the refrigerator for "too many weeks." My manager said my excuses for missing deadlines are "getting old." Even my computer says I need to "upgrade" to a "newer version" of my "operating system." 

We need to take the same ardor we apply to issues like neurodiversity, gender equality and hygiene and extend them to ageism. Before it's too late.

Because as a 34 year old, I am frankly concerned. And you Zoomers should be, too. You'll get it when you're older.