Abstract
Background: We investigated work ability and trajectories of work life satisfaction (WLS) as predictors of intention to retire (ITR) before the statutory age. Methods: Participants were Finnish postal service employees, who responded to surveys in 2016 and 2018 (n = 1466). Survey measures included ITR, work ability and WLS. Mixture modelling was used to identify trajectories of WLS. A generalized linear model was used to determine the measures of association (Risk Ratios, RR; 95% Confidence Intervals, CI) between exposures (work ability and WLS) and ITR. Results: Approximately 40% of respondents indicated ITR. Four distinct trajectories of WLS were identified: high (33%), moderate (35%), decreasing (23%) and low (9%). Participants with poor work ability (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.40–2.29) and decreasing WLS (1.29, 1.13–1.46) were more likely to indicate an ITR early compared to the participants with excellent/good work ability and high WLS. Job control mediated the relationship between ITR and work ability (9.3%) and WLS (14.7%). Job support also played a similar role (14% and 20.6%). Conclusions: Work ability and WLS are important contributors to the retirement intentions of employees. Ensuring workers have appropriate support and control over their work are mechanisms through which organisations may encourage employees to remain at work for longer.
Highlights
An ageing population will require extended working lives in comparison to previous generations to ensure an adequate labour supply and financial resources for retirement [1]
Work-related factors and work ability are important contributors of intention to retire (ITR) before statutory age, the role of these factors and possible mediating effects have not yet been explored. To contribute to this important area, the current study aimed to investigate work ability and work life satisfaction as predictors of ITR among the employees aged over 50 years
Following adjustments for age and gender, participants with moderate work ability (RR 2.07, 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) 1.72–2.51) and poor work ability (RR 3.73, 95% CI 3.14–4.42) had an increased likelihood of indicating ITR early compared to the participants with excellent/good work ability
Summary
An ageing population will require extended working lives in comparison to previous generations to ensure an adequate labour supply and financial resources for retirement [1]. Retirement choices are complex [3] and influenced by a range of factors (financial incentives to retire early, poor health and working conditions), which require comprehensive exploration to inform strategies to assist with retaining employees [3,4]. Older workers vary significantly in their physical and mental capacities and, as a result, a nuanced approach to retirement age may better ensure that participation rates remain high for a broad range of employees in different occupations. Survey measures included ITR, work ability and WLS. Confidence Intervals, CI) between exposures (work ability and WLS) and ITR.
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