It Gets Late Early: Combating Ageism in the Tech Industry
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Maureen Wiley Clough for her new podcast, It Gets Late Early, all about aging in the tech world. I can't wait for you to hear our chat when the podcast launches! We had such a juicy conversation about her body of work and why this issue is so important to bring to light. We discussed my background in tech from Kforce to Amazon to Booking.com, as well as the common themes of ageism we've witnessed and even been a part of in the industry. I even shared a few wild stories my colleagues have told me about their own experiences with ageism in tech.
Whenever I'm invited to speak and present, whether to a group of folks or as a guest on a podcast, I like to prepare by getting in touch with the data. Let me tell you, Maureen is so right when she says that ageism-related statistics and research just aren't out there. The bits I could find were dated, but this was compelling: an AARP survey found that 60% of workers age 45 or older have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
About It Gets Late Early
It Gets Late Early is all about exploring individual experiences over the course of tech careers, at various companies of different sizes and maturities along the way. We’ll discuss how and why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts have largely ignored age as a factor, and explore the benefits of employing an age-diverse workforce. We’ll uncover the root of Silicon Valley’s obsession with youth, and parse fact from fiction. We’ll hear stories and share practical advice on how tech workers can build long and fulfilling careers in tech - for as long as they want - or need - to be employed. Together we’ll discover how we can all bring about a better future - for tech companies and employees alike.
Part of Maureen's mission is to gather as much data as she can get her hands on to make better sense of this issue. To that, she's developed a 5-minute anonymous survey that I would love for you to take if you're open to it. Please feel free to pass it along to your clients in tech of all ages!
So…How do we address ageism in the workplace? That’s the magic question, right? By talking about it. Calling it what it is—not being afraid to say the words. It involves combating age-related stereotypes and engaging older team members in the workplace. Age diversity can bring valuable perspectives and ideas to the table, and older workers often have priceless experience and knowledge to share that frequently gets overlooked. Recognizing and combating ageism promotes a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Let's start breaking down those barriers together.