Resume Now Survey Reveals Widespread Disrespect, Discrimination, and Ageism in the Workplace

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Table of contents

Key Findings
Generational Divide: Disrespect and Dismissal
Exclusion, Comments, and Unequal Pay
Still Showing Up With Meaning and Pride

When workers feel disrespected because of their age, it doesn't just affect their mood. It affects motivation, loyalty, and long-term engagement. Respect across generations is essential to a healthy workplace.

According to Resume Now's new Age Disrespect Report, many workers over 50 are feeling left out and undervalued. The May 2025 survey of 878 U.S. employees found that 90 percent have experienced age discrimination at work, and nearly half say they often feel disrespected by younger colleagues. Despite their experience and dedication, many report being overlooked, underpaid, or excluded.

Key Findings

90% of workers over 50 have experienced ageism in the workplace.
83% say they have at least occasionally felt disrespected by younger coworkers, with nearly half (47%) reporting that it happens often.
58% report earning less than their younger colleagues for the same job.
43% say leadership treats older employees differently.
40% have received age-related comments at work.
27% have been told they are "overqualified" due to age.
Only 4% say they have never experienced ageism on the job.

Generational Divide: Disrespect and Dismissal

The survey highlights a major disconnect between older and younger employees. While most older workers describe their relationships with younger colleagues as respectful, many still report moments of tension, disregard, or outright disrespect.

83% say they have at least occasionally felt disrespected by younger coworkers.
8% say younger colleagues are often dismissive or patronizing.
42% say the relationship is generally good but sometimes tense.

What this means: Even when workplace relationships seem positive on the surface, older employees often feel dismissed or undervalued by younger peers. These moments of disrespect, subtle or direct, can erode confidence, create communication barriers, and foster generational tension. For older workers, it may lead to a sense of isolation or frustration, especially when their experience is ignored. Building mutual respect across age groups can help strengthen collaboration and morale, giving everyone a fair chance to contribute.

Exclusion, Comments, and Unequal Pay

Ageism shows up in more than just attitudes. Many older workers say it directly affects their pay, professional growth, and access to opportunities at work.

58% say they earn less than their younger coworkers doing the same work.
24% have been passed over for challenging assignments.
18% have been excluded from meetings or company activities.
15% have been passed over for promotions in favor of less experienced younger employees.
12% have been pressured to retire or targeted in layoffs.

What this means: For older workers, age bias extends beyond feelings. It shows up in their paychecks, project assignments, and promotion paths. Being excluded from meetings or passed over for growth opportunities can signal to employees that they are no longer seen as valuable contributors. This lack of inclusion can impact morale, engagement, and retention. For workers facing these challenges, it may be time to advocate for themselves, explore workplaces that prioritize equity, or seek roles where their experience is seen as an asset rather than a liability.

Graphic depicting the hidden costs of ageism in the workplace.

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Still Showing Up With Meaning and Pride

Despite the challenges they face, many older workers continue to find purpose in their careers and take pride in their contributions. Their experience and knowledge remain strong sources of confidence and value.

91% say their work is still meaningful or fulfilling.
81% say their age is actually an advantage in the workplace.
97% say their institutional knowledge is valued by their employer.
96% believe society respects older workers just as much as younger ones.

What this means: Even in the face of bias and exclusion, older workers are staying committed, engaged, and proud of their role in the workplace. Many see their age as a strength and believe their contributions are important. For employees, this is a reminder that fulfillment at work is possible even in imperfect environments. It may also signal an opportunity to seek out roles or organizations that genuinely recognize and reward experience. Holding onto that sense of purpose can be a powerful motivator for staying resilient, focusing on core career values, advocating for change, and mentoring others.

Looking for a change of scenery? Our AI Resume Builder can help you land a new role by creating or updating your resume to meet the standards of the competitive job market.

For press inquiries, contact Joseph Santaella at joseph@resume-now.com.

Methodology

The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 878 American workers over the age of 50 on May 20, 2025. Participants were asked about their experiences with age discrimination, relationships with younger colleagues, perceptions of workplace value, and attitudes toward career identity and fulfillment. Participants responded to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers. Of the 878 respondents, 188 identified as female and 688 as male. In terms of age, 599 were between the ages of 50 and 59, 271 were between 60 and 69, 5 were between 70 and 79, and 1 was 80 or older.

About Resume Now

Resume Now is a powerful resource dedicated to helping job-seekers achieve their potential. Resume-Now's AI resume builder is a cutting-edge tool that makes creating a resume fast, easy, and painless. Resume Now has been dedicated to serving job seekers since 2005. Alongside its powerful AI resume builder and stylish ready-to-use templates, it also features free advice for job seekers at every career stage, guides for every step of the hiring process, and free resources for writing cover letters. Resume-Now is committed to supporting job seekers and workers alike and has conducted numerous surveys related to the experience, trends, and culture of the workplace. These surveys have been featured in Business Insider, CNBC, Fast Company, Yahoo!, Forbes, and more. Keep up with Resume-Now on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Pinterest.

Keith is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and trusted media source in the career industry with over a decade of experience helping job seekers stand out.