Ageist employer biases hindering workforce productivity

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of HR professionals now classify workers aged 51–55 as 'older', according to new research from the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) and the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission).

Published: 21 August 2025
  • national
  • 21 August 2025
  • Australian Human Rights Commission

This increase from 10 per cent in 2023 suggests many employers are sidelining experienced professionals in an economy suffering skills shortages.

The report, Older and Younger Workers: What Do Employers Think?, is AHRI and the Commission’s fifth national survey of employers and HR professionals.

It provides a snapshot of how older and younger workers are perceived, supported and included in Australian workplaces.

Despite more than half of respondents (55 per cent) reporting hard-to-fill vacancies, just 56 per cent stated they are open to hiring workers aged 50–64 ‘to a large extent’.

This drops to 28 per cent for those 65 and over, and more than one in six (18 per cent) say they won’t hire this age group.

At the other end of the spectrum, the findings were also bleak, with just 41 per cent open to recruiting jobseekers aged 15 to 24 ‘to a large extent’.

The findings come amid renewed national focus on productivity, with the Productivity Commission, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese identifying it as one of Australia’s most pressing economic challenges.

Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, said the findings highlight the need for sustained action against ageism.

'Older and younger workers can be a real advantage for businesses. Age-diverse teams bring different life experiences to the table and are better at solving problems. Employers need to support inclusive workplaces, where competency isn’t assessed against age or career stage.

Providing equal opportunity for people of all ages to remain engaged in meaningful work can enhance productivity, while also helping close skills gaps,' he said.