What do workplaces need to know to help older workers stay on the job? A qualitative study of older workers’ disclosure decisions

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Online

Monique Gignac
Institute for Work & Health

Historic labour shortages are affecting every Canadian job sector. Many workers aged 50 years or more want to work longer, often beyond the traditional retirement age. However, we understand little about the different workplace support needs they may have and whether workers choose to share their needs with others—especially given the negative stereotypes that often surround older workers. In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac shares insights from her study on older workers’ workplace support needs and disclosure decisions.

The study was based on interviews with workers aged 50 years or older, from diverse sectors of the economy and with a range of experiences and circumstances. It highlights the experiences of older adults in staying employed and the barriers they face in communicating support needs. Results underscore what employers can do proactively to promote job sustainability across the life course.

About presenter

Dr. Monique Gignac is scientific director and senior scientist at the Institute for Work & Health. She is also a professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Her research examines psychosocial factors like stress, coping, adaptation and communication, and their importance in understanding the impact of chronic diseases on the lives of adults across the life course. Of particular interest is research on workplace communication, privacy, support and accommodation needs among individuals living with chronic, episodic conditions.

About IWH Speaker Series

The IWH Speaker Series brings you the latest findings from work and health researchers from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and beyond. For those unable to attend, the recorded webinar of most presentations in the IWH Speaker Series are made available on its web page within a week of the event.