Ageism And The DEIB Blind Spot

Introduction

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) have become the foundational principles in modern workplace culture, influencing how companies hire, promote, and retain talent. However, age remains a glaring omission in most DEIB strategies. While conversations around gender, race, and disability gain traction, age-related bias often goes unaddressed, despite its widespread impact across industries and various roles.

Globally post-COVID & AI Adaptation – there has been a visible bias with people above 40 years in their employment journey.

In India, this oversight is amplified by the absence of legal protections against age discrimination. Without comprehensive legislation or policy frameworks to recognize and challenge age-based bias, both older and younger professionals are routinely subjected to unfair treatment. Stereotypes about declining productivity, adaptability, or inexperience result in missed opportunities, stalled careers, and