Work and Family over the Life Course: Do Older Workers Differ?

Abstract

This study explored how older workers (age 55+) differed from middle-aged (ages 35-54) and young workers (<35 years) in their experience of the work-family interface. Data came from a subset of a survey conducted by a multi-national corporation in 79 countries (N = 41,813, n = 2,700). Older workers reported significantly less work-to-family and family-to-work conflict and greater work-family fit, life success, and work success than middle-aged and young workers. They reported significantly greater job flexibility and job satisfaction but were significantly less likely to be aware of and use work-family programs than young workers. Older men reported significantly less awareness and use of work-life programs and less family-to-work conflict than older women. Implications of this research are presented. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.