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Kumudinei Dissanayake, University of Colombo, Sri LankaAbstract
Older workers, possessing valuable functional knowledge, remain capable and productive across various work modes, evidencing that post-retirement work is increasingly common and benefiting work organizations. Sri Lanka is experiencing the fastest population aging in the South Asia, and by 2042, one in four Sri Lankans will be over 60. In Sri Lanka, the unique interplay of economic, socio-cultural, and workplace factors influences post-retirement engagement decisions. Yet, very few studies have explored retirees' experiences and expectations on work environments, thus leaving gaps in designing future work settings. This study examines the experiences and workplace expectations of Sri Lankan retirees in their post-retirement work engagements through qualitative interviews. The sample includes retirees aged 57 and above selected purposively from five districts in Sri Lanka. The study is grounded in continuity theory, life course theory, and socioemotional selectivity theory. The findings highlight that retirees have both positive and negative experiences at the post-retirement work place. Positive experiences are associated with a sense of freedom and a greater sense of peace in life, while negative experiences are linked to feelings of disconnection, rejection, distance from younger colleagues, and strong pride and nostalgia for their former workplaces. Retirees’ work place expectations include low-stress work, autonomy in the workplace, flexible work schedules and a healthy work-life balance, an active social life, a sense of serenity, and pride and recognition from others. The study concludes by suggesting implications for individual job crafting, organizational emphasize for emotional well-being, and support for meaningful relationships at post-retirement work.
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Conference: AGen2025Stream: Entrepreneurship/Silver Economy
This paper is part of the AGen2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Dissanayake K. (2025) Work Life Beyond Retirement: Experiences and Expectations of Post-retirement Work Engagement ISSN: 2432-4183 The Asian Conference on Aging & Gerontology 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 121-136) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4183.2025.10
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4183.2025.10
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