Exploring work and development options to reduce early labour force exit of mature aged Australians

Abstract

Early labour force exit is a significant challenge associated with the ageing workforce in Australia and many other developed countries. A reduction and increased flexibility of work hours has been suggested to improve labour force participation of the mature aged cohort. However, little is known about mature aged workers' aspirations for transitional employment, and how demographic variables of mature aged workers influence these aspirations. In the current study, 1027 mature workers aged over 50 years and employed in regional areas of Australia were surveyed on their interest in transitiional employment following retirement, and their aspirations for work conditions, training and development, employer/employee roles and responsibilities, and incentives and benefits regarding transitional employment. A series of Chi square tests were conducted to identify demographic group differences according to timeframe until retirement, education level and occupation level. The majority of participants was interested in transitional employment,and were prepared to undergo training and development and work with management staff in order to achieve this end. Two general perceptions of transitional employment emerged. The first was transitional employment as an opportunity for learning and career development or change, which was most commonly aspired to amongst respondents with more than six years until retirement, a university education, or a professional/managerial role. The second was transitional employment as it is more traditionally viewed: as a chance to continue on in one's current role at reduced hours post retirement. The remaining groups represented variations on this theme. Implications of the current study include the divergence of transitional employment and training and development aspirations amongst a mature aged cohort, as well as mature aged workers' perceptions of organisational management's roles in supporting transitional employment.