How do employers think about older workers?

Hila Axelrad*, Alexandra Kalev, Noah Lewin-Epstein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Higher pensionable age in many countries that are part of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and a shrinking pension income force older people to postpone their retirement. Yet, age-based discrimination in employers' decisions is a significant barrier to their employment. Hence, this paper aims to explore employers' attitudes regarding the employment of workers aged 60–70, striving for a better understanding of age discrimination. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 managers, experts and employees in retirement age in Israel. Findings: Findings reveal a spectrum of employers' attitudes toward the employment of older workers. The authors' analytical contribution is a conceptual typology based on employers' perceived ability to employ older workers and their stated attitudes toward the employment of older workers. Social implications: The insights that emerge from this research are fundamental for organizational actors' ability to expand the productive, unbiased employment of older workers. Originality/value: By understanding employers' preferences and perspectives and the implications on employers' ability and/or willingness to employ older workers, this research will help policymakers formulate and implement policy innovations that address these biases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)201-220
Number of pages20
JournalQualitative Research in Organizations and Management
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 May 2022

Funding

FundersFunder number
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Israel Science Foundation
Ministry of Science and Technology, Israel2760/61

    Keywords

    • Age and ageism
    • Discrimination of older workers
    • Employer perspective
    • Thematic analysis

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'How do employers think about older workers?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this