Mo Wang, PhD, discusses modern retirement, bridge employment, and its effects on mental and physical health. The podcast explores the impact of remote work and the gig economy, dispelling myths about older workers, the ineffectiveness of using generational differences in understanding workers' needs, fairness in AI hiring decisions, and addressing digital exclusion for older workers.
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Quick takeaways
Retirement no longer means an abrupt end to working life, but rather a gradual transition with the rise of bridge employment, allowing retirees to engage in paid work activities post-retirement.
Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, can help retain older workers and promote a better work-life balance for them, but further research is needed to determine if remote work truly prolongs working life or simply reveals the benefits of not being in the office.
Deep dives
Flexible Retirement and Bridge Employment
Retirement is no longer an abrupt end to working life, but instead a gradual transition with the rise of bridge employment. Bridge employment refers to engaging in paid work activities post-retirement. It has become increasingly common, with approximately two out of three retirees participating in bridge employment before fully retiring. The pandemic has slightly affected bridge employment rates, but the trend remains. The gig economy offers opportunities for retirees to find post-retirement jobs, providing autonomy and social interaction. However, financial motivations are not always the primary driver for bridge employment, as retirees often seek social connections and a sense of purpose.
The Impact of Remote Work on Retirement
The relationship between remote work and retirement is not yet fully understood. However, organizations that offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, are more likely to retain older workers. The ability to work remotely allows older workers to have a better work-life balance and maintain productivity. However, further research is needed to determine if remote work actually prolongs working life or if it simply reveals the benefits of not being in the office.
Retirement's Impact on Health and Well-being
Retirement does not universally result in significant changes to well-being. For the majority of retirees, retirement does not have a substantial impact. However, retirees who transition from stressful or physically demanding jobs often experience improvements in well-being. Additionally, retirement can be challenging for individuals retiring from higher-status jobs, facing financial difficulties, or having strained marital relationships. Work-related identity is especially important for those who closely associate their self-identity with their jobs. Bridge employment can help in the transition to retirement and provide a sense of accomplishment and adjustment to a new self-identity.
Forget the stereotype of a good-bye party in the break room followed by endless days on the golf course. Today, workers are staying on the job longer and taking on more “bridge employment,” or post-retirement jobs.
Mo Wang, PhD, of the University of Florida, talks about what these shifts mean for modern retirement, how retirement can affect people’s mental and physical health, and what workers – even those who still have many years left in the workforce – can do now to help set themselves up for a happy retirement in the future.
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