Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their age?

In Washington, employers are prohibited from setting different standards or expectations for employees based on their age, as this would be considered a form of employment discrimination and is prohibited under state law. The Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC) works to enforce the laws in place to prevent discrimination. Under Washington law, employers are allowed to set different standards based on the job or the needs of the business, but they must be applied equally to all employees regardless of age. Employers are also prohibited from making hiring or other employment decisions on the basis of age. It is important to note that employers are allowed to differentiate based on age when it comes to certain types of employment, such as apprenticeships, traineeships, or workers’ compensation benefits, as long as the standards are based on legitimate business interests. For example, employers may require a certain level of experience for certain positions, but those requirements must be applied equally regardless of the age of the employee. Overall, Washington law strictly prohibits employers from setting different standards or expectations for employees based solely on their age. Doing so is a form of discrimination, which is illegal and can result in legal action.

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Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their age?

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