Stereotype threat describes the degree to which we agree with negative perceptions of our groups. Along with that comes a fear of being judged when we are identified with the negative connotations of that group. This can happen when we are a minority in a situation. For instance, an older worker applying for a job in a predominately millennial-age workforce may assume the interviewer thinks he is out of touch with current trends.

What creates a stereotype threat is not whether the worker is or is not up to date with trends, but whether he agrees internally that older workers (the group he identifies with) are out of date (the stereotype). People become their own worst enemies when they feel stereotype threat. Ironically, they may unconsciously exaggerate the stereotype, like an older job applicant who talks about aging, rambles during the conversation, and discloses too much.

Stereotype threat can occur during performance evaluations, preemployment tests, and everyday workplace exchanges. We can combat it in the workplace by treating employees as individuals and not highlighting group differences. Organizational changes like employee training can be helpful in reducing stereotype threat.