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Who employs senior workers? Firm characteristics, working conditions, and employers’ main motivations

Author

Listed:
  • Anxo, Dominique

    (Department of Economics and Statistics)

  • Ericson, Thomas

    (Department of Economics and Statistics)

  • Miao, Chizheng

    (Department of Economics and Statistics)

  • Sjöstrand, Glenn

    (Department of Social Studies, Sociology, Linnaeus University, Växjö)

Abstract

We use a unique Swedish company survey data to investigate the central characteristics of workplaces and firms that are employing old workers. We address four research questions: What are the main features of the companies/establishments employing senior workers? How do working conditions and work environments affect the demand of senior workers? What are the main reasons and motivations of employers to keep senior workers after the age of 65? What are the employers’ views regarding the efficiency of government policies to prolong working life? It is found that there is a large variation of firms with employees older than 65 between firm size and industry sectors. The main motivation to keep old workers is found to be the employees’ key competences and employees’ willingness to stay. Employers mainly support policy measures that encourage senior employees to continue working.

Suggested Citation

  • Anxo, Dominique & Ericson, Thomas & Miao, Chizheng & Sjöstrand, Glenn, 2026. "Who employs senior workers? Firm characteristics, working conditions, and employers’ main motivations," Working Papers in Economics and Statistics 2/2026, Linnaeus University, School of Business and Economics, Department of Economics and Statistics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:vxesta:2026_002
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Oecd, 2013. "How Difficult is it to Move from School to Work?," Education Indicators in Focus 13, OECD Publishing.
    2. Wieteke S. Conen & Kène Henkens & Joop Schippers, 2012. "Employers’ attitudes and actions towards the extension of working lives in Europe," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 33(6), pages 648-665, September.
    3. Wieteke S. Conen & Kène Henkens & Joop Schippers, 2012. "Employers’ attitudes and actions towards the extension of working lives in Europe," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 33(6), pages 648-665, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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