Working in retirement: a brief report.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Organizational Psychology
• Sociology of Work

Background:

• Limited research exists on the specific job experiences of working retirees.
• Understanding workplace factors influencing job satisfaction and engagement in this demographic is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate which workplace environment facets influence job satisfaction and engagement for individuals working in retirement.
• To compare the experiences of working retirees with those of older workers not considering themselves retired.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce, a representative sample of US workers.
• Compared two groups: workers aged 50+ who identify as retired (N=203) and those aged 50+ who do not (N=936).

Main Results:

• Economic security is less critical for job satisfaction and engagement among working retirees compared to other older workers.
• Positive relationships with supervisors appear to be a more significant factor for working retirees' job satisfaction and engagement.

Conclusions:

• Workplace relationships, particularly with supervisors, are key drivers of job satisfaction for working retirees.
• Future research should explore tailored workplace interventions to enhance engagement and satisfaction for this growing population.