This report draws on the voices of workers to explore how age shapes their experiences of both inclusion and exclusion at work. Drawing on the Diversity Council Australia's Inclusion@Work index 2025–2026, the research examines how age-based assumptions influence workplace experiences across all life stages. The findings reveal that age is perceived as one of the most common grounds of discrimination and harassment across all age cohorts, yet it remains among the least reported.

Key findings

• Younger workers face the highest exclusion.
• Older workers feel comfortable but lack career support.
• The intersection of age and gender  make a difference to exclusion at work.
• Caring responsibilities can amplify exclusion for younger workers.
• Age-based discrimination is widespread but under-reported.

The report outlines practical actions employers can take to build age-inclusive workplaces, including:

• improving access to career development
• supporting flexible work
• challenging age stereotypes
• strengthening complaint processes
• building leadership capability.