When and Why Do Employers Hire and Rehire Employees Beyond Normal Retirement Age?

“Employers view working after retirement as exception to the rule”

Older workers are increasingly encouraged to work beyond normal retirement age (NRA) to tackle potential labour shortages and keep social security systems sustainable. While the majority of employers have employed workers beyond NRA, they are rarely proactive in doing so. We propose that government policy should encourage employers to adopt a more positive and proactive attitude towards hiring older workers.

Key Takeaways for the Industry

• Policymakers should encourage the employability of older workers by running campaigns to combat detrimental stereotypes and employment practices.
• Employers should create an inclusive and age-diverse working environment that emphasises the value of older employees and life-course employability.