A recent study by the Academy of Management says that trying to change the minds of old workers’ managers isn’t enough when it comes to reducing the growing trend of age bias, as baby boomers extend their time in the workforce. 

A better idea, according to the study, is to create mature-age practices to engage older employees, counter their fears of bias and suppress bias tendencies occurring around them.  HR experts explain that policies created specifically to recognize and encourage mature-age workers sends a consistent and constant signal that tends to lessen their concerns about age bias. 

The study sampled 666 employers, ages 45 and up and proved that mature-age practices are scarce in most organizations.  One human resource expert explained that older workers don’t necessarily want anything that is too different from what younger workers want. 

At the end of the day, all employees should be getting performance-related feedback relevant to their career stage regardless of their age.  Companies not only need to be thinking about individual practices for older workers, but they also need to be thinking about nurturing a work atmosphere with a culture that encourages workers of all ages without bias.