The Ministry of Social Development has released two papers on workforce participation for New Zealanders over 65. Both are based on a survey given to about 1700 people aged over 65 in mid-2008. One details the findings of this report, while the other examines findings gleaned from the focus groups and interviews that helped form the survey’s questionnaire.

“This report presents nationally representative information on motivations, barriers and enablers for working.

• What are the main reasons that some people continue to work and some stop or reduce the hours they work?
• What do they say might keep them working longer?
• What are the main things that could affect this decision?”

The Department of Labour has released a related study on The Working Patterns of Older Workers (PDF link) which “describes the characteristics, jobs, working time patterns, employment conditions and employment outcomes of older workers using data collected in Statistics New Zealand’s Survey of Working Life 2008”.

Research from Frog Research several years ago showed that while many New Zealand workplaces “recognise the growing importance of older workers, [they] are unprepared for dealing with them.” However many businesses have since put together strategies to attract older workers.

Frog Research demonstrated that older workers are linked to lower levels of absenteeism, have less sick days, and are likely to stay in jobs for longer than younger workers—they therefore have a direct impact on productivity and profitability, both major concerns for New Zealand.