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Older workers: Past, present and future

Author

Listed:
  • Valerie Dawn Caines

    (College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia)

  • Monique F Crane

    (Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

  • Jack Noone

    (Centre for Social Impact, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

  • Barbara Griffin
  • Shiksha Datta
  • Joanne Kaa Earl

    (Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

Abstract

In this article, we focus on the ever-growing numbers of older workers and considerations for workplace practices and policies that make the most from the qualities older workers bring. To begin, we explore the socio-political context examining employment trends for older workers and highlight policies and trends that inform workforce planning. We then extend the discussion of older workers from the perspective of person–environment (P-E) fit, entrepreneurship, resilience and cognitive functioning. Each of these perspectives have received increased research and practitioner attention over the past two decades. They present opportunities to increase our understanding of older people in a workplace context and how to support older workers in a socio-political environment focused on career longevity. We argue that a new national strategy is needed to guide future initiatives and policy development. We propose future research directions and practitioner intervention prospects. JEL Classification: M54

Suggested Citation

  • Valerie Dawn Caines & Monique F Crane & Jack Noone & Barbara Griffin & Shiksha Datta & Joanne Kaa Earl, 2020. "Older workers: Past, present and future," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 45(3), pages 425-448, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:45:y:2020:i:3:p:425-448
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896220918912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cognitive functioning; entrepreneurship; older workers; person–environment (P-E) fit; resilience; retirement policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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