Combat ageism in real estate – Texas REALTORS®

March 01, 2024

Age discrimination is widespread on the job. AARP says two out of three workers ages 45-74 have seen or experienced age discrimination at work.

It can be an issue in the real estate industry, too. Perhaps you’ve seen or experienced it yourself. Forty-six percent of respondents to a Texas REALTORS® poll on LinkedIn said they had.

Age discrimination harms everyone: the individuals involved, businesses, and the industry itself. What can you do to stop ageism at your firm? Consider these strategies.

Look at your culture

Ageism is more than just direct comments to individuals. Examine your hiring practices and how you recruit agents. Your website and the language of your open-position postings can speak volumes about your business. Put yourself in the shoes of an older applicant: Would you want to work at your firm?

Consider your overall environment. What is it like to work there on a daily basis? Which actions are valued? Which traits are discouraged? How are compliments framed? What are the words used? Whose work is showcased?

Are older agents and employees involved in leadership roles? Do they participate in groups and teams where input is needed? Are older people valued and praised for their contributions?

Identifying areas for improvement is the first step toward creating a better environment for everyone.

Become more welcoming

You can start making your firm more inclusive by changing the language you use. Even well-intentioned comments can be hurtful and discriminatory. AARP notes that several terms such as digital native can be discriminatory even without the intent of doing so.

Other tips that can head off age discrimination:

Involve older agents and employees in decisions
Seek out a variety of perspectives across all age and experience levels
Highlight achievements and praise good work
Foster team building and positive working relationships.

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