AbstractIn structured interviews with 250 older male workers, respondents were asked whether they wished to participate in a proposed pre‐retirement counselling programme. The effect of six independent variables on the workers' Attitude toward Pre‐Retirement Counselling (dependent variable) was examined by means of a path analysis. Intention to Continue Working after Retirement had a significant negative effect on the dependent variable, indicating that a strong work orientation interfered with receptiveness to pre‐retirement counselling. An unexpected relationship was observed between a favourable perception of retirement and the intention to continue working. This finding emphasized the dominance of the work orientation and workers' lack of awareness of alternative social roles. Implications for retirement planning programmes were discussed.