Editor’s Blog: Advice about age diversity

According to recent reporting in the ABA Journal, employment lawyers are bracing for a wave of age-related discrimination complaints from former employees who’ve been laid off due to their perceived higher risk for COVID-19. The EEOC—and the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967—would like a word: The law bars discrimination against workers aged 40 and older. The pandemic is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. The law still applies.

That age discrimination was prevalent even before the pandemic is no surprise. Listen to the news—many people don’t seem to realize it’s illegal. Pundits and politicians openly talk about appointing the youngest U.S. Supreme Court justices possible—to ensure a long, untouchable tenure—without even nodding to the fact that such a formulation would be unlawful in any business in America.

Once I was up for a job in London and, during a discussion about benefits, the recruiter asked me how old I was. Apparently, he was using age to help explain to me a certain benefit payout program. I was taken aback. In the U.S., this just isn’t done. And shouldn’t be.

A word of advice to employers: Diversify your workforce not only in the context of gender, ethnicity, race and sexual orientation but also with reference to age as well. I’ve worked with people of all ages, so I’ll make some generalizations. More seasoned workers panic less easily when a problem comes up. They’ve fixed this kind of thing before; moreover, they know that almost everything has a fix.

A younger worker may have more energy to work 12 hours straight, but there’s value in having an experienced worker who only needs four hours to do the same task. I’m faster than I’ve ever been, but I learned that by necessity. The publishing and journalism industries are highly competitive. I have some colleagues who are good, and others who are fast. You can only make it in this business if you’re both. That’s true of many professions. It’s something I learned early, but it became even more evident over time.

So remember, age isn’t just a number: It’s a number that may help your bottom line.

You May Also Like
Puttshack Highlights Sensory Inclusion for Autism Acceptance Month

From April 1-30, Puttshack, where guests can enjoy tech-infused mini golf, food and drinks — will donate 20% of each 9-hole mini golf game booked through puttshack.com/kcfundraiser directly to KultureCity to support its mission of

Read More
The Business of Design: DCOTA Spring Market Hosts Industry-Leading Panel

“The Intricacy of Design Across Diversified Industries” event brings together top South Florida leaders on March 12.

Read More
36th Annual Celebration of Authors and Books in Fort Lauderdale

‘Literary Feast’ brings authors to raise funds for the Broward County Library system

Read More
Broward Partnership to Host Annual Salute to Leadership: “Gala in the Glades” Event

The March 29th Event plays an important role in advancing Broward Partnership’s mission to reduce homelessness.

Read More
Other Posts
A Night of Flavor and Philanthropy: Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs Event Set for May 2, 2025

Local chefs, live performances, and exclusive experiences come together for an unforgettable evening at Seminole Hard Rock.

Read More
Enjoy a Flavorful Comeback at Hereford Grill

Iconic Miami Restaurant Will Open in Spring 2025 Under the Da Silva Hospitality Banner,

Read More
Boys & Girls Club to Celebrate 14th Annual “Claws for Kids” Fundraiser on May 6

The event, held in memory of Judy Kramer at Joe’s Stone Crab, will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, supporting vital programs and services across its six clubs and sites.

Read More
Mutra Brings a Melting Pot of Flavors to Miami

The new North Miami restaurant by Chef Raz Shabtai brings a bold and innovative take on kosher dining, blending global flavors, fresh farm-to-table ingredients, and deep culinary traditions inspired by his Israeli heritage.

Read More