The contemporary experience of work: older workers’ perceptions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a cohort of Brazilian mature workers perceives their contemporary experience in the workplaces by identifying their perceptions, feelings and how they are treated.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation drew on grounded theory regarding that it enabled to identify data, describe the observed events, answer vital questions thereof and develop theoretical categories to understand what was taking place.

Findings

Definitely, the current situation of older workers shows clearly a dual landscape, which is permeated by strong contrasts. On the one hand, one may envision the benefits of a career and participation in the corporate life even though performing humbler roles. On the other hand, one may find people simply struggling to complement their poor pensions and doing everything possible to sustain themselves. Overall, this study found seven themes, namely: current work experience, treatment of older workers, (un)support and benefits provided toward work–family balance and quality of work life, the experience of having a job, meaning of work, working with younger generations and future perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the method used, the results cannot be generalized and herein resides the major limitation of this investigation. In addition, the sample was made up of only people working and living in the main state of Brazil.

Practical implications

The results of this study bring useful managerial implications for organizations interested in improving their relationships with older workers by suggesting the need of enhancing or implementing a set of human resources and internal marketing policies and practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of a broader general frame of older workers aspirations, needs, difficulties and challenges, particularly focusing on Brazilian reality whose research has paid scant attention on this topic. In addition, it adds to the understanding of older workers’ reality and research toward mature workers’ career, expectations and desires, productivity, adaptability, engagement and learning capacity. Moreover, it suggests that at least some Brazilian organizations are getting to enhance the job designing and development opportunities to their older workforce. However, it also found that there is room for considerable improvements in such tasks.

Citation

Vasconcelos, A.F. (2015), "The contemporary experience of work: older workers’ perceptions", Management Research Review, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 381-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-04-2014-0086