Productivity of the older worker: Perceptions of employers and employees
van Dalen,H.P. Henkens,K. Schippers,J.
van Dalen,H.P.
Henkens,K.
Schippers,J.
Abstract
What determines the perceived productivity of the older worker and how does this perception compare to the perception of the productivity of the younger worker? In this study we present evidence based on data from Dutch employers and employees. Productivity perceptions are affected by one's age and one's position in the hierarchy. The young favor the young, the old favor the old, and employers value the productivity of workers less than employees do. However, there are also remarkable similarities across employers and employees. By distinguishing the various dimensions that underlie the productivity of younger and older workers, we tested whether soft qualities and abilities—e.g., reliability and commitment—are just as important as hard qualities—cognitive and physically based skills—in the eyes of both employers and employees. It appears that both employers and employees, young and old, view hard skills as far more important than soft skills.
Description
Appeared earlier as CentER DP 2009-04 (rt)
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Keywords
SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Citation
van Dalen, H P, Henkens, K & Schippers, J 2010, 'Productivity of the older worker : Perceptions of employers and employees', Population and Development Review, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 309-330.