COVID-19: research directions for older workers, work ability

COVID-19 and its Implications for Research on Work Ability | For Whom the Pandemic Tolls: A Person-Centric Analysis of Older Workers

COVID-19 and its Implications for Research on Work Ability

Donald M Truxillo, David M Cadiz, Grant M Brady, COVID-19 and its Implications for Research on Work Ability, Work, Aging and Retirement, waaa016

https://doi.org/10.1093/workar/waaa016

Abstract

Research into work ability (the ability to meet the physical and mental challenges of work) is increasing in the aging workforce literature. We argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered a number of possible gaps in our understanding of the work ability concept itself, its antecedents, and outcomes. We offer future research directions to further examine the theoretical underpinnings of work ability, moderators that may enhance its effects, and ways to broaden work ability conceptually to better capture the experiences of older workers.

For Whom the Pandemic Tolls: A Person-Centric Analysis of Older Workers

Ruth Kanfer, Sibley F Lyndgaard, Corey E Tatel, For Whom the Pandemic Tolls: A Person-Centric Analysis of Older Workers, Work, Aging and Retirement, waaa014

https://doi-org.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/10.1093/workar/waaa014

We offer a worker-centric perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the aging workforce. We briefly describe 3 broad characteristics of pandemics—mortality salience, isolation from the workplace, and rising unemployment—in terms of their associated pathways of influence on older workers, and recommendations for future research.

Research is needed to fill large gaps in our knowledge about how pandemics affect older adult need profiles, including how increased mortality salience changes attitudes and behaviors, how changes in one’s workplace affect feelings of social isolation and work motivation, and who chooses unplanned, forced retirement.