Findings suggest companies are equating success with youth rather than expertise.

A new study by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has found more than half of older PR professionals have experienced age-related discrimination. 

62% of PR professionals over 45 felt their age negatively impacted their career progression. The study finds that older professionals are categorised as less creative or digitally capable, leading companies to equate success to youth rather than expertise. The survey indicates that there is a lack of older PR professionals as a result of this bias, with 21% of employed PR professionals being over the age of 50.

This comes despite a recent, separate study by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), which found businesses with a 10% higher share of workers aged 50+ are 1.1% more productive.  

Jenny Manchester, a member of the CIPR, commented on the importance of this discussing ageism in the workplace: “This should concern us all of us – ageing is something we all face and is an increasingly important issue for the profession in the context of Britain’s ageing population – more of us will be working for longer, what does the industry need to do to adapt to this?”                                                

The CIPR included recommendations in its study of how to tackle ageism and make PR workplaces more inclusive. Among these is an employer’s checklist provided by the Centre of Aging Better, which urges employers to create a space for older employees by calling out stereotypes and normalising conversations about future plans alongside health. The report also recommends flexible working arrangements that atone for people's changing needs.