An exploratory study on factors of post-retirement employment

This descriptive research study was developed to begin exploring and identifying factors influencing decisions related to post-retirement employment. Older adults are living longer and they have different lifestyles than previous generations. Post-retirement workers were recruited to participate in a web-based questionnaire, designed by the researcher. The Post-Retirement Employment Questionnaire (PREQ) was designed with four constructs in mind: Financial preparation for retirement, retirement preparation (non-financial), post-retirement employment, and retirement circumstances. Quantitative data were collected from the questionnaire and were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis. The use of these statistical methods allowed the researcher to begin identifying some of the common factors influencing decisions regarding post-retirement employment. While compensation is important when making a decision to seek post-retirement employment, so too is a desire to do something fun or enjoyable, a desire to remain productive, and a desire to help people. The results of this study could lay the foundation for future research to be designed in order to influence policy makers, retirement program developers, and organizations to create more robust retirement programs and policies. Developing this foundation and opening the door for future research on this population could positively influence the way individuals prepare for post-retirement employment.