In California and elsewhere, the tech industry has skewed towards Millennials. While older engineers are often highly-qualified, many are concerned that they could lose their jobs. According to a study that surveyed 1011 U.S. tech workers who are currently employed, those over the age of 40 were worried about age discrimination because so many tech workers are significantly younger.
Thirty percent of all college-educated employees who work in white-collar jobs have a disability that is listed under the federal definition. According to a study conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation, only 21 percent of workers who have disabilities actually report them to the human resources department at their place of employment.
Most older employees in California work hard to further their careers. Yet, despite putting forth their best efforts while on the job, these workers aren’t able to secure promotions, raises, or other opportunities. While there are many reasons that a career may stall, age discrimination is sometimes a factor. Unfortunately, some companies have developed a youth-oriented culture that can translate into an ageist workplace.
Some Californians believe that racial discrimination in the U.S. has declined. However, a meta-study indicates that racism is alive and well in America, and discrimination against blacks and Latinos has continued unabated for decades. According to researchers at Harvard, Northwestern University and the Institute of Social Research in Oslo, Norway, discrimination against blacks in hiring has not changed in the last 25 years.
For generations, many immigrants have made homes in California, and in recent years the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protected young people brought to the country without documentation. Although many of these people, known as dreamers, obtained work permits under the program, a decision from the Trump administration has endangered the future legality of their employment. Despite the shifting political landscape, dreamers with valid work permits continue to have legal protection from discrimination at work.
Women of color in California have spoken about their experiences at tech industry giants in confronting the hydra of race and sex discrimination on the job. Far from being separate concerns, these forms of workplace discrimination have been pernicious for women of color, even those who have achieved success at some of the world’s largest companies.