Our survey shows that 4 out of 5 women have already experienced age discrimination. Many women in finance feel that their experience is downplayed or that their development potential is prematurely judged. During a Digital Lunch Talk, four women discussed the topic of age discrimination and highlighted ways to address such biases.
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Key points at a glance
- Age discrimination occurs frequently, sometimes openly, sometimes in more subtle ways
- Age-diverse teams perform better and draw on a wider range of potential. It is therefore surprising that many companies do not prioritize well-balanced teams.
- A confident appearance, together with an appropriate outfit and styling, can convey professionalism and help prevent age discrimination.
- The best way to respond to age discrimination is often with humor, because sharp or biting remarks from women are frequently perceived as “catty” and therefore tend to be ineffective.
“For this position you are unfortunately too young. Feel free to reach out again in a few years!” or “I don’t think this challenge would be the right fit for you at your age.” Many of us have heard comments like these before. Too young, too old, too Generation Z, too Boomer.
4 out of 5 women have experienced age discrimination
Many women in finance feel that their experience is downplayed or that their development potential is quickly categorized. In our LinkedIn survey on this topic, four out of five women (79%) said they had already experienced age discrimination, while only 20% said they had not experienced it, at least not consciously.
44% of respondents were underestimated as being “too young,” and 35% were labeled as “too old.” Such age-related assumptions influence careers and other important decisions.
Digital Lunch Talk addresses the topic of age discrimination
Reason enough to take a closer look at the issue. At our Digital Lunch Talk on February 19, Anke Dembowski spoke with the following panelists about the topic:
- Coleen Trebschick, independent financial advisor and board member of CAPA AG FinanzWeitBlick
- Charlotte Nierhoff, Communication Specialist Investment Funds, GLS Investment
- Sabrina Löffler Hack, Client Relationship Manager, DJE
How age discrimination manifests
Age discrimination in professional life can be expressed openly, but it can also act as a hidden barrier to career progression. The panelists reported hearing remarks ranging from “When will your boss arrive?” to “Oh dear, she must be pregnant.” The latter, for example, might be said when a young woman feels unwell and calls in sick.
Women aged 55+ sometimes hear comments such as “I don’t think you would fit very well into our young team,” or see job postings explicitly searching for “reinforcement for our young team.”
During the discussion, participants expressed surprise that some companies deprive themselves of the opportunity to benefit from age-diverse teams. The panel agreed that teams with a mix of ages function better and make use of a broader range of potential.
How we can prevent age discrimination
The panelists agreed that how you present yourself influences how you are perceived. A professional business outfit, a well-groomed hairstyle, and appropriate behavior can help ensure that you are taken seriously. This is particularly important for younger women.
Women aged 55+ can signal resilience and continued career potential by staying curious and showing interest in continuing education and new technologies.
A confident and relaxed demeanor also benefits every woman, projecting professionalism and making it less likely that others will categorize her prematurely.
How we can respond to age discrimination
The discussion also highlighted that humor is often the most effective way to respond to age discrimination, because sharp or sarcastic responses from women are often interpreted as “catty” and therefore not constructive. For example, if someone says, “You have very nice shoes,” you might mirror the comment: “Oh yes, your sneakers are very stylish as well.” Or if someone asks, “When will your boss arrive?”, you could reply: “And when will yours arrive?”
Anyone worried about not being quick-witted enough in the moment can prepare a few responses in advance that can be used in various situations.
Humor may be the most constructive form of criticism, because no one loses face and witty responses appear relaxed and professional across all age groups.
Anyone who would like to listen to the Digital Lunch Talk again can find the recording in the video archive:
The video archive is accessible for Fondsfrauen Member exclusively.
Foto: Canva (2026)
Anke Dembowski is a financial journalist and author of various investment fund-related and other financial books. She is also a co-founder of the "Fondsfrauen" network.
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