Factors associated with job content plateauing among older workers

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify personal and work environment factors associated with the experience of job content plateauing among older workers.Design/methodology/approachTwo cross‐sectional studies, each including two samples, were conducted. In each study, one sample consisted of a diverse group of older workers and the other sample was composed of older nurses.FindingsWork centrality and learning self‐efficacy were significantly negatively related to job content plateauing especially for older managerial and professional employees. Perceived organizational support and perceived respect from the organization, supervisor, and work group members were significantly negatively related to job content plateauing for both the diverse group of older workers and older nurses.Research limitations/implicationsThe average level of job content plateauing was below the scale midpoint, suggesting older workers who are most susceptible to job content plateauing may have already exited the labor force. Future research is needed to identify variables that mediate the relationship between personal and work environment factors and job content plateauing.Practical implicationsEmployers need to ensure that older workers with high work centrality and learning self‐efficacy are provided with challenging jobs that foster learning new skills. Equally important is to signal to older workers that they are valued and respected through HR practices targeted at older employees and respectful treatment from their supervisor and work group members.Originality/valueThis paper identifies personal and work environment factors not previously examined in relation to job content plateauing with a specific focus on older workers.