Reinventing retirement – the baby boomer blitz

Diversity Council Australia’s (DCA) new research project titled “Grey Matters: Engaging Mature Age Workers” reveals baby boomers are challenging traditional notions of retirement.

The results report that for those mature age people not currently in the workforce, one third of all respondents, and of those aged 60 years or under, 57% would be prepared to return to work if they were offered the right job.

For currently employed mature age workers one third would relocate and more than half would consider doing further study for the right job.

DCA managing director, Ms Rohan Squirchuk said: ”The research shows many of the stereotypes about older people being inflexible and unwilling to work or learn new skills are just plain wrong. These results indicate how future-orientated baby boomers are.”

For those inside and outside the workforce, flexible ways of working, opportunities for learning and development, and an organisational culture inclusive and supportive of older employees are key factors that influence their decision to work.

DCA believes its research results are great news for employers and for Australia.

“At a time of strong economic growth and labour shortages, there is an exciting pool of talent, ready, willing and able to work,” Ms Squirchuk said.