Here you will find research reports and website links on mature age employment.
On this page:
DEWR Commissioned Research
Multi-Generational Workplaces Research: Final report (June 2023)
This project was conducted by a research team in the Centre for Work, Organisation & Wellbeing at Griffith University, Brisbane, with funding from the department. The report assessed the characteristics of successful age-diverse workplaces, and the policies and practices employers used to support employees of all ages. The report makes 5 recommendations to promote high-performing multigenerational workplaces:
- providing diversity training
- using inclusive communication methods
- embracing mentoring opportunities
- investing in continuous learning
- implementing flexible working arrangements.
Read the Multi-Generational Workplaces Research report
Research on supporting small businesses to employ mature age workers (May 2023)
The department commissioned Outpost Consulting to explore if targeted interventions could encourage small businesses to employ mature age workers. The research, involving 15 small businesses, found that these interventions positively influenced:
- perceptions of mature age workers
- awareness of age-related issues
- understanding of age-management practices
- interest in hiring mature age workers.
Read the Research report on supporting small businesses
Employment barriers for mature age Australians – Research project (September 2021)
The department commissioned Outpost Consulting to explore employers’ capacity and willingness to employ mature age workers (55 years and over). While employers recognised the benefits mature age workers bring to the workplace, the research identified several perceived and experienced barriers to recruitment and retention. The report also outlines practical recommendations for addressing these barriers.
Read the Employment barriers for mature age Australians report
Jobs and Skills Australia research
Mature age workers and the labour market – Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (August 2024)
Drawing on data collected between August and November 2023 through Jobs and Skills Australia’s Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS), this research examined employer experiences with mature age job applicants. It also explored the strategies and programs employers use to support recruitment and workplace participation for mature age workers.
Read the Mature aged workers and the labour market report
Australian publications
Australian Human Rights Commission and Australian HR Institute – Older and Younger Workers: What Do Employers Think? (2025)
This latest joint report from the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Human Resources Institute explores employer attitudes towards older and younger workers in Australian workplaces. Drawing on a survey of employers and HR professionals, the report examines perceptions of different age groups, barriers to recruitment and retention, and workplace practices that support age-diverse and inclusive workforces. It also identifies practical actions employers can take to address age bias and better leverage the strengths of a multigenerational workforce.
Read the Older and younger workers report
HILDA 2025 – Insights into a changing Australia
This report from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey provides insights into changing patterns of work, retirement, financial wellbeing and social participation. It highlights the impacts of economic pressures, delayed retirement, changing family dynamics, and increasing levels of time stress and loneliness across Australians.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR) – Barriers and Enablers to the Multigenerational Workforce (2024)
This report examines the barriers and enablers to creating and sustaining multigenerational workforces in Australia. Drawing on qualitative research, including interviews with senior executives and focus groups with employees, the findings highlight broad support for increased workforce participation among older people. The report also outlines a range of considerations and recommendations for organisations and policymakers to proactively support age-diverse workplaces.
Read the Barriers and enablers to the multigenerational workforce report
CEPAR – Mature Workers in Organisations: Understanding Retirement in Australia (2024)
This report explores how mature age workers make decisions about retirement and transition out of the workforce. Drawing on interviews with mature age workers and recent retirees from a range of industries, it examines retirement aspirations, planning behaviours, bridge employment, and the factors influencing retirement decisions. The report provides insights and recommendations at the organisational, policy, advisory and individual levels to support workforce participation, retirement preparedness and positive transitions into retirement.
Read the Mature workers in organisations report
CEPAR – Caught between Obligation and Exclusion: The Plight of Mature Age Jobseekers in Australia’s Employment Services System (2023)
This report explores the lived experiences of mature age jobseekers participating in Australia’s employment services system. It examines the effects of mutual obligation requirements, the perceived quality of employment services, and barriers encountered in the labour market, including age discrimination. The findings identify opportunities to improve employment services and support better employment outcomes for mature age job seekers.
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
This research project examines how to better support older adults to remain in work by leveraging their skills and experience while reducing later-life health and aged care costs.
National Seniors Australia Research Reports
A collection of research publications exploring issues affecting older adults in Australia, including employment, retirement, financial security, health and wellbeing.
International publications
OECD Employment Outlook: Can we get through the demographic crunch? (2025)
The OECD Employment Outlook examines the latest labour market developments and prospects across OECD member countries. The report also explores the challenges that population ageing poses to living standards and social cohesion. It also analyses the implications of an ageing workforce for productivity growth.
Read the OECD Employment Outlook report
OECD The Midcareer Opportunity: Meeting the Challenges of an Ageing Workforce (2023)
In partnership with Generation, a global employment not-for-profit network, the OECD examined the implications of population ageing across eight countries. Drawing on survey evidence from workers and hiring managers, the report explores the key structural barriers, attitudes and behaviours that can limit employment opportunities for mid-career and older workers. It also identifies actions to support longer working lives in an increasingly digital and sustainable economy.