Sustaining working lives: the challenge of retention

An exploration of older worker flexible working arrangements in smaller firms

“…In summary, we argue that idiosyncratic, individualised approaches allow smaller firms to deliver FWAs in beneficial ways, reinforcing their contribution to productive ageing (Simpson et al ., ) and extending working lives (Hirsch, ). FWAs, thus, constitute part of the minimum set of HR practices required for smaller firm success (Marchington et al ., ; Atkinson and Lucas, ).…”

“…Yet, as we explain in the Methods section, work‐role FWAs for older workers were prominent in our data. Practices may include, for example, role variation to reduce physical strain (Hirsch, ), change in responsibilities (Buyens et al ., ) and/or reduced workload (Remery et al ., ). Work‐role FWAs may involve occupational mobility whether downwards (in taking up a more junior or less demanding role, Smeaton and Vegeris, ) or otherwise ( e.g.…”

“…This article explores the role of FWAs in supporting older workers in smaller UK firms to remain in employment, contributing to ‘more sustainable working lives ’ (Hirsch, : 105, emphasis in original). We address three questions: how far older workers need and value FWAs, the type of FWAs they need, and whether smaller firms can offer these FWAs.…”

“…There is growing recognition that such FWAs may support extension of working lives (CIPD, 2012;Loretto et al, 2009), yet little is known about how far older workers need and value FWAs (Shacklock et al, 2009). Many FWAs focus on the needs of groups such as working parents (Gardiner et al, 2007), and alternative arrangements may be required for older workers (Hirsch, 2007;Buyens et al, 2009). However, research demonstrates a lack of employer awareness of, or response to, demographic trends (Fuertes et al, 2013) and typically short-term, ad hoc employer approaches to older worker employment (Loretto and White, 2006;CIPD, 2012).…”

Introduction - transition into retirement in Central and Eastern Europe

“…Donald Hirsch (2009) identifies the three most common interpretations of (early) employment deactivation of the elderly. Firstly, going into (early) retirement is seen as a positive life choice associated with the belief that after a long period of work it is high time to focus on "myself".…”