Boomers at Work and in Transition

Abstract

This study investigated the experience and expectations of Minnesota Boomers as well as innovative organizations in the Twin Cities area that are recognizing and responding to their aging workforces. We find Boomers no longer expect a one-way, one-time simultaneous exit from both their career jobs and the labor force. Rather, they are following a variety of paths. Organizations leading in recognizing population and workforce aging are adopting less age-graded policies—providing flexible and reduced work options as well as training to all workers, regardless of their ages or career stages. Policies and practices are needed supporting a range of flexible paid and unpaid opportunities to tap the tremendous talent of this large Boomer cohort. The research upon which this article is based was supported by a grant from CURA’s Faculty Interactive Research Program.