Younger workers feel undervalued and patronised (Image: Getty Images)
More than nine in 10 young workers have experienced negative treatment at work due to their age, a recent study reveals. Harmful stereotypes and unfair treatment have left many young employees feeling anxious, undervalued, and low in confidence.
A quarter of young workers surveyed said the discrimination they faced made them feel like giving up work altogether. Key issues highlighted include being undervalued (81%) and patronised (78%) by colleagues or managers.
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The study found that nearly half of young workers believe they can’t progress in their careers. Shockingly, 69% reported missing out on promotions, and 75% said they had been rejected for jobs because of their age.
Even more concerning, nearly one in 10 of the 500 employers polled admitted to rejecting a young applicant purely due to their age.
This comes as new UK labour market data shows the unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over rose to 4.3% between August and October 2024, an increase from the previous quarter and year-on-year.
The study, commissioned by UK Youth and KFC UK&I, highlights the urgent need to tackle age discrimination in the workplace. In response, KFC has introduced several initiatives, including a Youth Advisory Board, a review of hiring practices, and a CV and career mentoring pilot aimed at breaking down barriers for young people.
Meghan Farren, UK General Manager at KFC, said: “Our research shows that young people are being undervalued and overlooked, with unfair stereotypes putting them at a disadvantage in the workplace.
“So many young people facing greater challenges than ever before, it’s turning more away from the workforce for good.With 65% of our workforce under the age of 25, I see the positive impact young people make to my business every day.
“If the Government and businesses are serious about unlocking growth for the economy, then recognising young people’s potential and helping them get into and stay in work will be critical.”
One in five young workers say stereotypes make them sad and depressed (Image: Getty Images)
The study uncovered several harmful stereotypes commonly used against young employees, with 18% reporting being labelled “lazy” or “overly sensitive.” Other terms included “unreliable,” “entitled,” and “self-obsessed.”
These negative perceptions have taken a toll on mental health, with more than one in five young workers saying sterotypes left them feeling sad, depressed, or otherwise struggling.
While stereotypes persist, 38% of employers admitted these preconceptions are unfair. More than half (51%) acknowledged the damaging impact such language and behaviour can have on young people’s mental health.
Additionally, over a third of employers recognised that their hiring language isn’t inclusive or accessible for young candidates. Encouragingly, 85% said they feel a responsibility to support young people in entering the workforce.
Lamin Tarawally, Youth Beyond Borders Youth Lead and Chair of KFC’s Youth Advisory Board, emphasised the need for a cultural shift in workplaces: “Young people today bring immense potential and fresh perspectives, yet age discrimination remains a significant barrier to employment.
“Through this initiative, we aim to foster a workplace culture that not only welcomes young voices but actively seeks to learn from them. This is a powerful opportunity to reframe how businesses engage with the next generation, setting a precedent for authentic inclusion.”