Majority of over-50s feel overlooked in the workplace

A new survey has revealed that nearly three quarters of workers aged over 50 say they have been overlooked for promotion due to their age.

Figures also show that these workers feel they’ve lost out on new opportunities because employers assume they’re overqualified (cited by 43%), have salary expectations that are too high (25%), aren’t considered a ‘long-term’ hire (17%) or they’re not expected to fit into company culture (15%).

The Robert Walters report found that 59% of workers aged over 50 also believe that their age prevents them from being considered for training or upskilling opportunities.

Commenting on the findings, Habiba Khatoon, Director of Robert Walters Midlands, said, “With the number of over-50s in the jobs market still not returning to pre-pandemic levels and increasing prolonged illness and care responsibilities spiking levels of economic inactivity within this group, we quickly begin to see an issue which needs to be addressed.

“Our research further illustrates how professionals aged 50 and above are being met with considerable bias, whether it’s being overlooked for progression opportunities within their current company, held back from upskilling opportunities or being rejected when they apply for new roles.”

Habiba added, “An older professional who may at first seem ‘overqualified’ is someone who could ultimately turn out being a more secure hire. By default, professionals over 50 have spent a longer time in the labour market, fulfilling a range of different positions, which will have given them a clearer picture of the jobs they are good at and the ones they want to continue doing, rather than focusing on how they can jump up the career ladder.

“Equally, unlike their younger peers who favour trends like ‘job-hopping’ and ‘squiggly careers’ which see them jump from one opportunity to the next – professionals over 50 are far more likely to dedicate themselves to a singular role, offering considerable years of loyalty to an organisation.”

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