Purpose: This study aims to explore whether participation in employer-provided skills and learning programs can strengthen older workers' abilities to carry out their work in a meaningful way so that it increases work attractiveness and a willingness to remain in the current job position. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was distributed to…

In the UK, a default retirement age no longer exists and more people choose to 'stay on' in their academic posts. 'Staying on' poses opportunities and threats in the academic labour market. Older academics can make a positive contribution to their institution through their expertise and experience. By continuing to work, paying tax and keeping…

This paper reports on the results of an online survey that asked Manitoba employers about the employment of older workers. The survey attempted to gain insight into benefits of and challenges to engaging older workers; strategies to recruit, retain, and engage older workers; and the role of education and training for older workers. This research…

As a job changes, person-job fit is likely to change. A number of factors affect older workers' ability and choice to adjust to job changes: individual factors (knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, attractiveness of retirement); and organizational (orientation to workplace changes, the redesigned job, training, support, personnel practices,…

Age discrimination in the workplace is widespread and often based on stereotypes. Research has demonstrated that older workers learn and perform well. Adult educators should eliminate ways in which educational practices perpetuate ageism, raise awareness of it in the workplace, and help older workers continue learning. (SK)

Three hundred employers in a suburban area of the Pacific Northwest were surveyed for their perceptions of older (ages 50 and over) and younger (aged 49 and under) workers on 12 attributes. In contrast to previous research, this study found more favorable ratings for older workers overall, including categories such as attendance and salary…

The labor force participation of older workers may surpass recent projections due to reductions in retirement benefits and labor shortages. However, employers' attitudes about hiring older workers have not changed enough. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

This information paper provides employers, policymakers, and the general public with examples of innivative personnel policies and practices designed by private sector employers to increase employment opportunities for older workers. Part 1 is an introduction and overview. It defines the problems of the older worker and describes the National…

This document contains testimony from a congressional hearing to explore the latest developments in corporate policies affecting older workers. Testimony includes statements and prepared statements from individuals representing United States corporations, such as Mutual of Omaha Companies; The Aerospace Corporation; ACS America, Inc.; Grumman…

A survey of the leading executive search firms indicates an increased willingness to consider older personnel for top positions--particularly at the executive level. Factors affecting this more positive outlook include changed attitudes toward older people in general and the importance of experience as an issue in selection. (Author/SK)

Covert discrimination has replaced overt racism and sexism in hiring programs, and relatively few women are hired in line areas. New issues, such as the rights of handicapped and older workers, are beginning to appear. Training and development professionals will be called on to ensure that equal employment opportunity is achieved. (CT)

Of five approaches to studying older workers (chronological/legal, functional, psychosocial, organizational, and life span), the life-span approach accommodates individual differences in career patterns. Middle-age and older adult workers need to be considered as individuals in terms of career choices and employment policies. (SK)

Older employees have needs, values, and interests that must be met for them to choose to remain, and jobs have requirements they must meet. As the workplace changes, the individual/job fit will also change. Factors affecting older employees' ability to adapt include training, personnel policies, and age discrimination. (SK)

Retirement provisions may force older workers out of the labor force or restrict their employment opportunities. (Editor)