The Older Worker ‐ Value for Money?

Abstract

The race towards downsizing, high performance and the pursuit of excellence has led to workplace policies and practices that tend to discourage the older worker from staying on the job. It is recognised that failing health or decreasing attachment to achievement may result in the decision by an older worker to retire from mainstream employment. It must be appreciated, however, that retirement is often perceived as a better alternative to working in an overly authoritative, routinised, robotic and unstimulating environment. On the other hand, it is well known that better health and the opportunity to engage in stimulating and creative work will prevent many age related deficits in ability and productivity.