Age discrimination in the job: Why the 50+ generation resigned!

Age discrimination in the job: Why the 50+ generation resigned!

On May 2, 2025, the Gallup Engagement Index shows that 78% of employees in Germany do only the most necessary in the job, which indicates profound resignation among employees. This trend is particularly striking among older workers, such as Sabine Votteler, an experienced coachin for people over 50. She observes that many of these employees are tired in internal and feel their work as increasingly senseless. This feeling of alienation from the employer is reinforced by cost pressure and company structure.

Votteler emphasizes that many older employees are concerned that they can no longer find an appropriate job at the age of 50. These fears mean that numerous employees remain in their current position, due to fear of loss of status and financial loss. In her view, it is crucial to become aware of this accumulated negativity and actively bring about changes. She recommends that you first deal with your own needs and try out new opportunities.

approaches to change

Votteler advises small, gradual changes. Testing new perspectives, be it through discussions, further training or honorary posts, can help to reduce fears and discover new professional opportunities. A change of job is often not absolutely necessary; Internal conversations or a change of role within the company could also be productive approaches. Votteler brings her over 20 years of experience as a manager and her work as a coachin for professional reorientation in order to show the effective ways seeking advice.

The Gallup Engagement Index, which has been created annually since 2001, is based on a comprehensive examination that was organized between November 18 and December 20, 2024. A total of 1,700 randomly selected employees aged 18 and over were interviewed by phone. The survey uses a dual frame that includes both landline and mobile phone samples. The results are representative of workers in Germany and offer important insights into the emotional commitment, the commitment and the motivation of employees.

age discrimination as a challenge

A significant factor that contributes to the negative work impressions is age discrimination. According to a study, more than a quarter of working people have experienced age discrimination in Germany, mainly through superiors. The negative effects of this discrimination are expressed in prejudices that can affect both older and younger employees. An investigation by Appinio on behalf of XING shows that 34 % of 50 to 67-year-olds reported on such discrimination experiences, whereby 18 % even perceived very large discrimination.

Practical evidence of this discrimination is diverse. 42 % of those surveyed received tasks that were below their qualification level, while 41 % reported on limited areas of responsibility. In addition, 31 % within the company was ignored for further or further training courses. For many employees, the manager is the most common origin of discrimination experiences. 57 % of those affected stated that this discrimination against executives went out, while 54 % remained idle and did not take any measures.

Despite these challenges, Enzo Weber from the IAB emphasizes that market conditions for older employees are positive, since the shortage of skilled workers continues to exist in many industries. Employers could run the risk of losing experienced and valuable employees who have a pronounced expertise and professional experience.

Overall, it can be seen that the situation for over 50-year-olds on the labor market is complex and that both the individual attitude and structural changes in the company are necessary to promote motivation and commitment in this age group.