Employers' beliefs and hiring preferences for older workers: insights from Singapore

Abstract

Purpose This study examines how employer perceptions influence hiring preferences for older workers, comparing their perceptions on mature (ages 50–59) and senior (ages 60+) workers. Design/methodology/approach We collect a nationwide survey of HR managers in Singapore, surveying employers' perceptions and valuation of older workers and categorising them into behavioural, normative and control beliefs. Findings This study finds that employers in Singapore hold distinct hiring preferences for mature workers (aged 50–59) and senior workers (60+), shaped by differences in behavioural, normative and control beliefs. In terms of behavioural beliefs, leadership and interpersonal skills increased the employability of mature workers but had neutral or negative effects for senior workers. For normative beliefs, supportive attitudes towards later-life employment – such as rejecting fixed retirement ages or valuing training – were linked to greater hiring of mature workers, but had little to no impact on hiring senior workers. Regarding control beliefs, mature workers benefitted from access to internal training opportunities, while senior workers were more likely to be hired in response to labour shortages. Originality/value The results underscore the need to disaggregate the category of “older workers” in HRM practices and policies, as employers' beliefs and organisational conditions shape subgroup-specific hiring biases. Distinct strategies should be devised to reintroduce mature and senior workers back into the labour force to promote their productive longevity.