'How can we ensure older workers remain engaged members of the workforce?'
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Management School
Abstract
In this country, as well as in many other countries in the
developed world, we have what is termed an ageing population,
that is the age distribution within the population has shifted
because of an increase in life expectancy, accompanied by a
decrease in birth rates. Moreover this incidence has led to a
purported looming pensions crisis, with not enough workers alive
to financially sustain our older generations in their retirement. Yet
a potential solution to this concern is to promote longer working
lives in this country. However, if we are to encourage older
workers to remain in the workforce then it is vital to explore
potential obstacles to this ideal, as well as ways in which
organisations can ensure older employees stay motivated and
engaged. Correspondingly, research (Toossi, 2009) has revealed
that one potential barrier to this concept is the prevalence of age
stereotypes in the workplace, which have been shown to have a
number of detrimental effects on employees, including increasing
their intention to retire. (Gaillard & Desmette, 2010).
developed world, we have what is termed an ageing population,
that is the age distribution within the population has shifted
because of an increase in life expectancy, accompanied by a
decrease in birth rates. Moreover this incidence has led to a
purported looming pensions crisis, with not enough workers alive
to financially sustain our older generations in their retirement. Yet
a potential solution to this concern is to promote longer working
lives in this country. However, if we are to encourage older
workers to remain in the workforce then it is vital to explore
potential obstacles to this ideal, as well as ways in which
organisations can ensure older employees stay motivated and
engaged. Correspondingly, research (Toossi, 2009) has revealed
that one potential barrier to this concept is the prevalence of age
stereotypes in the workplace, which have been shown to have a
number of detrimental effects on employees, including increasing
their intention to retire. (Gaillard & Desmette, 2010).
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| P Dick (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Ann-Marie Thomas (Student) |
| Description | I am now nearly finished my data collection of my second and final research study. This second study (which has taken place across multiple large organisations in the UK) has been attempting to explore the precariousness of the labour position of older workers, by examining the culture within organisations to establish firstly if an 'age culture' exists and secondly if this impacts on the recruitment and selection of older workers. |
| Exploitation Route | With an ageing population in the UK, this PhD research will help to understand some of the barriers that older workers face (with regards to the workplace) |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy,Government, Democracy and Justice |
| Description | My findings will be used across organisations in the UK to help them better manage an ageing workforce, so the research has strong practical (as well as theoretical) implications. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Retail |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Centre for Research into the Older Worker |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Collaborating with this policy change group. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Cumberland Lodge - Working Identities Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I was awarded a bursary to attend a conference at Cumberland Lodge at Windsor Castle, during which I was able to present my PhD to politicians (government ministers, policy makers, and various other stakeholders) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |