Workplace age discrimination and engagement: The role of emotional regulation

Abstract

Introduction Gaining competitive advantage is essential to modern organizations, for which it is fundamental that workers are engaged with their work. Perceived age discrimination in the workplace is a factor that may influence workers’ engagement. Objectives The present study aimed to analyze the moderating role of emotional regulation in the relationship between perceived age discrimination and work engagement. Methods This empirical study included a sample of 452 Portuguese workers of various age groups, between 18 and 65 years-old and used the questionnaire as data collection method. Results Results show that perceived workplace age discrimination negatively impacts work engagement. Further, results suggest that emotional regulation exacerbates the negative relationship between perceived age discrimination and work engagement. Conclusions Age management strategies to address perceived age discrimination and work engagement, particularly due to the increasing proportion of older workers, are discussed. Disclosure of Interest None Declared