While age discrimination on the job happens all over the U.S., the likelihood of experiencing ageism also depends on what state a worker is employed, according to an AARP study.
There were 16,223 complaints related to age discrimination in 2024, nearly 2,000 more than the previous year, the data showed, with complaint totals higher in some regions of the U.S. than others.
“It is not surprising to me, having been a member of the workforce, that older adults are facing discrimination or lack of access to certain opportunities,” said Christine Healy, chief growth officer at Seniorly and one of the authors of the report. “What did surprise me was the range between the low and the high end.”
New England states posted the lowest complaint totals, with New Hampshire reporting 18 complaints per 100,000 eligible workers, Vermont reporting 20, Massachusetts at 32 and Connecticut at 33.
Meanwhile, the District of Columbia and southern U.S. states dominated the top 10 for worst states, with Washington D.C. posting a study-high 437 complaints per 100,000 eligible workers and states like Georgia and Alabama combining for over 300 complaints.
At the same time, a report by High Rise Financial showed over half of women say they’re being bullied on the job.
Fifty-one percent of women say they are intimidated at work compared to just 46.5% of men. At 71%, the majority of workplace bullies are male. Overall, 52.2 million workers, or 32.3% of the workforce, directly experience bullying at work.
“The impact of workplace bullying extends beyond individual employees, undermining morale, productivity, and overall organizational culture,” High Rise Financial said. “As mental health and employee well-being take center stage, addressing bullying is a moral obligation and also a strategic imperative for cultivating inclusive, high-performing workplaces.”
The most common consequences of bullying at the workplace include:
- Physical effects: Victims of bullying often experience various physical symptoms, including chronic headaches, heightened cardiovascular risks, and sleep disturbances. These issues can lead to increased absenteeism, as affected employees may require time off to manage their health concerns.
- Mental effects: The psychological toll of workplace bullying can be profound, manifesting as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. In severe cases, individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacting their ability to function effectively in the workplace.
- Productivity impact: The repercussions of bullying extend to workplace dynamics, resulting in decreased morale among employees. This can lead to increased turnover rates as individuals seek healthier work environments. Also, the overall efficiency of the team may decline as bullying fosters an atmosphere of fear and disengagement.
The slideshow above illustrates the worst states for age discrimination at work, as researched and selected by the AARP.
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