Flexibility with older workers

Mature-aged workers may be determined, but a surge in these workers who never want to retire is reportedly being put down to employers becoming more flexible.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 13% of workers aged 45 years or over never intend to retire, which is a 72% increase from four years ago when 379,300 people had no intention of retiring.

AdelaideNow reports those who do want to retire also want to stay in the workforce longer, with the average intended retirement age at 62.9 years.

Organisational psychologist Dr Darryl Cross says there are many mature-age workers who cannot afford to retire, but other reasons for staying in work are becoming more common.

“We’ve got flexibility now, the workplace is more flexible and employers are not writing off people – they are looking for experts for their business.

“(Employers see that) the senior worker, they are not going to go anywhere, they are reliable and they know what work is about,” he says.

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