Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Papers in Economics and Statistics,
Linnaeus University, School of Business and Economics, Department of Economics and Statistics

No 2/2026: Who employs senior workers? Firm characteristics, working conditions, and employers’ main motivations

Dominique Anxo, Thomas Ericson (), Chizheng Miao () and Glenn Sjöstrand ()
Additional contact information
Dominique Anxo: Department of Economics and Statistics, Postal: Department of Economics and Statistics, School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, 351 95 Växjö, Sweden
Thomas Ericson: Department of Economics and Statistics, Postal: Department of Economics and Statistics, School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, 351 95 Växjö, Sweden
Chizheng Miao: Department of Economics and Statistics, Postal: Department of Economics and Statistics, School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, 351 95 Växjö, Sweden
Glenn Sjöstrand: Department of Social Studies, Sociology, Linnaeus University, Växjö

Abstract: We use a unique Swedish company survey data to investigate the central characteristics of workplaces and firms that are employing old workers. We address four research questions: What are the main features of the companies/establishments employing senior workers? How do working conditions and work environments affect the demand of senior workers? What are the main reasons and motivations of employers to keep senior workers after the age of 65? What are the employers’ views regarding the efficiency of government policies to prolong working life? It is found that there is a large variation of firms with employees older than 65 between firm size and industry sectors. The main motivation to keep old workers is found to be the employees’ key competences and employees’ willingness to stay. Employers mainly support policy measures that encourage senior employees to continue working.

Keywords: older workers; retirement

JEL-codes: J23; J26

Language: English

17 pages, February 18, 2026

Full text files

26-02_Who_employs_senior_workers.pdf PDF-file Full text

Download statistics

Questions (including download problems) about the papers in this series should be directed to Thomas Giebe ()
Report other problems with accessing this service to Sune Karlsson ().

RePEc:hhs:vxesta:2026_002This page generated on 2026-02-21 12:21:07.