Experiences of age discrimination increase significantly once people pass the age of 55. Respondents aged 50–54 reported facing less discrimination, both at work and when applying for jobs, but they were already expecting it. When asked if they thought they would face age discrimination, the 50–54 age group felt most at risk. In fact, 51% of them said the risk was somewhat likely or very likely.
Riku Salokannel, head of labor market advocacy at Suomen Ekonomit, believes that these experiences and the risk of age discrimination inevitably impact the dynamism of the job market.
“While many consider changing jobs, it is perceived as risky. If they believe that age will hold them back or if they fail to change jobs despite their efforts, they get stuck. This can lead to a drop in motivation. They stop developing their skills, productivity falls, and eventually, they may be targeted in the next restructuring and change negotiations.”
Managers and supervisors, main source of discrimination – Support is hardly found
At their current or most recent workplace, 21% of respondents reported experiencing age discrimination. The most common issues were related to limited career advancement opportunities, lack of recognition, and biased recruitment or promotion decisions.
Those who experienced discrimination often cited management (69%) and their direct supervisor (56%) as the main culprits. In about a quarter of cases, coworkers were responsible. Furthermore, 68% of respondents said the discrimination they faced was recurring.
Only a third of those who had experienced age discrimination had brought it up at work. Of those who did, 62% said it had no effect. Just 6% reported that the issue was resolved.
“The study showed that talking directly to the employer didn’t help. It also revealed that staff representatives were rarely involved in resolving discrimination cases,” Salokannel explains.
Age discrimination is an issue, although Finnish law prohibits it. According to Salokannel, the law as it stands doesn’t offer a solution either.
“Workplace representatives, like shop stewards and health and safety officers, are there to support employees and the whole work community in challenging situations. This system should be used more effectively. It would benefit employers too.”
Job searching while unemployed: the pain point of age discrimination
Among all respondents over 50 year-old, 38% had experienced age discrimination when applying for jobs.
Unemployed job seekers faced this even more frequently, with a staggering 84% reporting that they had been discriminated against during the job application process.
Salokannel believes that better communication is needed between those providing unemployment benefits and job placement services. Currently, unemployment funds are not allowed to notify the union if one of their members is laid off or unemployed. The union only finds out if the member tells them directly.
“Support should be provided quickly to prevent long-term unemployment issues. TE-Palvelut (Työ- ja Elinkeinopalvelut – TE Services, Employment and Economic development services) are not offering much help to unemployed business graduates (ekonomit) over 55 when it comes to finding jobs. We can, and we have the resources to do so,” says Salokannel.
No improvement in four years
In August 2024, Suomen Ekonomit surveyed their members aged 50–68 about their experiences with age discrimination. A total of 1,965 business graduates responded. The research was carried out by Aula Research Oy.
The results showed little improvement compared to the 2020 study, when the survey was first conducted. That survey focused on members over 55.
The biggest change was seen among unemployed job seekers. In 2020, 80% of unemployed job seekers over 55 reported experiencing age discrimination during the job search. By 2024, that number had risen to 88%.
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