1 in 3 employees worry about ageing's effects on hiring

Nearly a third think age was factored in their salaries.

Although 57% of Singapore employees said they had never experienced discrimination or incidents of exclusion, the same proportion, about 53% think that diversity and inclusion-related issues surface during recruitment, said a study by recruitment company Hays. One particular issue that emerges is ageism.

As Singapore fulfils its goal of becoming a smart city, the technology advancements initiated by companies are creating cultural tension for older workers, as younger and more tech-savvy professionals are becoming more favoured.

One third of the surveyed working professionals feel that their age affects their chances of being selected for a job, whilst 28% stated that ageism creates inequality in career opportunities, with the same percentage reflecting those who felt that the age was factored in when salaries were determined.

Between the period of 2015-2017, an average of 450 unfair unemployment practices were reported to the Ministry of Manpower and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices, the majority of which were age-related issues.

According to the report, the Singaporean government has long acknowledged the issue of ageism, which is why legal statutes are currently being set forth.