Tech professionals of certain ages believe their age can negatively impact their chances of further career success, according to the Harvey Nash Technology Survey 2018.

The survey found 33% of those aged 40 to 44 said their age works against them in their career. By the time they hit age 45, almost half of tech professionals, 46%, take a negative view of their age when it comes to future career success. In comparison, 32% report that age has no effect, and 22% report that age has a positive effect on their future chances.

The survey also found only 28% of 18- to 24-year-old tech workers believe their age works against them. This is in contrast with their 25- to 29-year-old peers, of which 9% believe it will reduce their prospects of success; the majority, 63%, sees their age as a positive force.

“Ageism is a hidden inclusion issue,” said Matthew Smith, managing director - regions, Harvey Nash Professional Recruitment. “It has the potential to affect all tech workers if employers fail to recognise and act on the problem. We live in uncertain times, but there are steps employees and employers alike can take to help build more resilient and inclusive workplaces and ensure everyone, regardless of their age, can enjoy fuller and longer working lives. It has to start with an open and honest conversation.”

The survey found professionals ages 45-plus who worked for ‘very innovative’ organizations were less likely to feel their age has a negative effect: 55% compared to 61% of all respondents of that age group overall.

Tech professionals who are involved in management — CIOs, CTOs or development managers, as well as those who are involved in architect and support engineer roles — see their careers much less affected by age. The survey found a technical architect will have to wait until their late 50s before age becomes a negative influence.

When professionals actively invest their own money in courses or training, the overall proportion of those feeling "age negative" goes down to 55% compared to 61% overall.

Despite having significantly less disposable income than their older peers, a third of those in their 20s pay for courses out of their own pockets, including 35% of those ages 18 to 24 and 33% of those ages 25 to 29. Meanwhile, 44% of 45- to 49-year-olds do so, which can be attributed to them enjoying the highest median income of all those surveyed. Furthermore, 27% of 35- to 39-year-olds participate in courses and training provided and paid for by their employer. This compares to 23% of those ages 25 to 29 and 20% of those ages 50 to 54.

The survey polled more than 3,200 tech professionals from 81 countries.