Work-to-retirement transition may be influenced by employment type

Eagers J, Franklin R, Yau M, Broome K. Pre-retirement job and the work-to-retirement occupational transition process in Australia: A review Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 2018; 65(4): 314-328.

Review question

•       What are the factors that have an impact on the extent to which individuals participate in the work-to-retirement transition process?

Background

•       The aging of the population is a worldwide phenomenon. As the age of those in the workforce increases, impacts are likely to be seen in the transition from workforce participation to retirement.

•       To improve the health and well-being of individuals during retirement, it is important for researchers to understand the influence of pre-retirement jobs on the work-to-retirement transition.

•       The aim of this systematic review is to explore the factors that have an impact on participation in the work-to-retirement occupational transition process, with a focus on research conducted in Australia.

How the review was done

•       Review authors conducted a detailed search of eight scientific databases for peer-reviewed literature relating to the work-to-retirement occupational transition process.

•       Searches were conducted for studies published from September 2015 to October 2015. Search terms were generally related to jobs, retirement and Australia.

•      A total of 19,140 articles were retrieved from the initial search, of which 15 were included in this review.

•      No specific funding was reported for this review.

What the researchers found

•       Retirement from work is a complex process that is influenced by many factors covering all stages of work, preparation to retire, transition and retirement.

•       It was found that individuals’ experiences and perceptions of work were associated with their experiences and perceptions of retirement.

•       White-collar workers (those performing professional, managerial or administrative work) were found to be more likely than blue-collar workers (those performing manual labour) to financially plan for retirement, to have more choice and control over the retirement transition, to want transitional employment, and to be in a better financial position for retirement.

•       These pre-retirement differences mean that white-collar workers may have a smoother and more positive retirement experience than blue-collar workers, as they are more likely to have the funds necessary to undertake their desired retirement activities.

•       A number of variables which may influence the retirement experience were identified. These included pre-retirement job (for example, work stress, job demands and work-related challenges), individual attributes (for example, physical and mental health). retirement transition (for example, planning), and post-retirement activities (for example, volunteering and leisure activities).

Conclusion

•       The transition from work to retirement is an evolving and complex process.

•       Although differences in participation in the work-to-retirement transition process as a result of pre-retirement job (white-collar versus blue-collar workers) were found, review authors also found inconsistencies between studies, making it difficult to formulate conclusive findings.

•       Individuals currently undergoing the work-to-retirement transition can seek out occupational therapists to assist in understanding and facilitating this complex transition.