Business Daily Is France failing its older workers?
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Sep 28, 2025 France is confronting ageism, deemed the 'last discrimination,' making it tough for older workers to land job interviews. A personal story highlights the struggles of navigating age and AI in hiring. Studies reveal that candidates aged 48-55 face a significant callback disparity. The government campaign aims to shift perceptions, while companies often hold misconceptions about older workers. Schneider Electric offers tailored career paths for older employees, showcasing innovative practices to integrate experienced talent. Conversations around age remain taboo among workers.
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Thousands Of Applications, Few Interviews
- Géraldine Coquand, 55, describes applying for thousands of roles with few interviews and repeated age-based rejections.
- She received a rejection saying her "seniorité" was too high to fit the team, which left her demoralised.
Algorithms And Culture Double-Down On Bias
- France's hiring systems often use software filters and CVs with photos/dates, making candidates aged 48–55 three times less likely to be called back.
- Legal protections exist but automated and cultural practices still produce widespread age bias.
Companies Plan Exits, Not Retention
- Employers often prepare exit measures rather than retention strategies for older staff, treating extended working lives as a problem.
- This wastes experienced talent and undermines business performance as demographics shift.