Workplace age discrimination and engagement: The role of emotional regulation

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