Employer perceptions of older workers

Abstract

The brief's key findings are: Working longer is the key to a more secure retirement, but are employers willing to hire and retain older workers? A recent survey, which does not reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, asked employers their views of professional and support/production workers ages 55 and over. The results show that, compared to younger workers, employers view older workers as more costly but also more productive and, on balance, at least as attractive. Compared to a similar survey in 2006, the latest findings show a substantial improvement in employer perceptions of older support/production workers. While survey responses do not necessarily correspond to employer behavior, older managers rate older workers more highly, a promising sign in an aging population.