Integrating the German and US perspective on organizational practices for later-life work: The Later Life Work Index

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Later life work is on the rise in most developed countries and organizational practices are important for its successful implementation. However, an integrated holistic perspective on successful management practices is still missing. Drawing on two qualitative frameworks of organizational practices for later life work, this chapter examines similarities and differences between management of older employees in the U.S. and Germany. Based on evidence from the Age Smart Employer Award in New York City and the Silver Work Index (SWI) in Germany an integrated, inter-cultural framework for organizational later life work practices is proposed. The comparison reflects the differences in the countries’ social systems and legislation. While Germany’s rigid social security system requires emphasis on more individualized and flexible transition solutions into retirement, U.S. practices emphasize the importance of retirement savings and health coverage. Findings suggest a revised integrated set of practices regarding organizational culture, leadership, and several specific human resource (HR) management domains including work design, health management, individual development, and transition to retirement. This integration thereby contributes to the development of a well-founded index for good organizational management of later life work. In line with the original intention of the SWI the revised index, once operationalized, aims to enable organizations to self-assess their capabilities regarding successful employment of older employees, to identify areas for improvement, and to serve as a source for best-practices.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent and emerging trends in aging and work
EditorsSara J. Czaja, Joseph Sharit, Jacquelyn B. James
Number of pages21
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer Nature AG
Publication date2020
Edition1.
Pages59-79
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-24134-6
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-24135-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Bibliographical note

copyright 2020, ersch. 2019.

    Research areas

  • Business psychology - later life work, Bridge Employment, index, older employees, Retirement, Active Ageing, Work design, work conditions, Organization, Diversity, Inclusion
  • Management studies - Later Life Work, Bridge Employment, index, older employees, Retirement, active ageing, Work design, work conditions, Organization, Diversity, Inclusion