The retention and engagement of older workers: Examination of work, nonwork, and individual determinants

The rapid population aging in Singapore calls for more research on the aging workforce. Among many topics, the retention and engagement of older workers is a matter of utmost importance due to the potential impact it has on the national economy.

Despite the importance of retaining and engaging older workers, research is scant on the factors that optimize their work experiences. With this in mind, this study aims to investigate the predictors of the intention to continue to work and work engagement among older workers.

Specifically, we examine factors in the work domain (age-friendly organizational policy and culture, supervisor support), factors in the nonwork domain (spouse support, caring obligation, and the work-nonwork interface), and individual factors (calling orientation, job crafting). Considering that the majority of previous studies utilized cross-sectional design, we plan to conduct a longitudinal study. Data will be collected via two online surveys, which will be administered with 1-year interval. We will recruit 500 employees who are between 55 and 61 years old at baseline by contacting the HR department of various organizations in Singapore.

The proposed study is expected to generate practical knowledge to help retain mature workers and foster their work engagement. Such knowledge can help empower mature workers to remain in the workforce as a productive member. Of importance, findings from this research can be used to guide policy makers and human resource practitioners in that many of the predictors studied in this study are potentially modifiable and trainable. In sum, by enabling older workers to work longer and facilitating their engagement at work, our research helps creating a healthy, active, and engaged aging community and reducing economic costs for the society.