Canadian Council on Learning | Conseil Canadien sur l'Apprentissage

Question Scans

Question 22: Are there targeted occupational or sectoral strategies that are effective in facilitating the retention of older workers in the labour market?

Overview

This question scan sought to determine whether there is empirical research identifying strategies that aid in the retention of older workers in the labour market.

Five databases and 44 research and industry websites were searched for relevant material. The majority of the articles located maintained an American focus while 15 or the 70 studies were Canadian in coverage. Since the literature base was relatively limited, studies that examined general retention strategies for all age groups were also identified.

Of the 70 articles located by the scan, 37 appear to examine retention strategies for older or experienced workers specifically; 23 discussed general retention strategies; and 10 identified specific sector or occupation retention strategies.

Few studies are empirical in nature. The majority of the literature exists in reports and trade magazines which do not use statistical methods in their analysis or discussion of the issue. With so view empirical studies it is not possible to determine with any degree of certainty whether or not a given strategy in and of itself was effective.

Consequently, it is our view that that there is little to be gained by conducting a further review of evidence on this particular question.

View the full report (467 KB)