Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Retaining Older Workers: Challenges and Solutions
Many businesses in Québec are having trouble finding enough workers.
To help with this, some companies are trying to keep older workers (aged 50 and above) employed longer.
However, only about a third of companies have special plans to do this.
Some older workers want to keep working, but many don't for reasons like wanting to travel, family responsibilities, or health issues.
The best ways to keep older workers, according to the studies, are to offer flexible retirement options, let them share their knowledge, and make their jobs less physically and mentally demanding.
This could help businesses keep experienced workers longer.
Only 37% of Québec organizations have measures to retain workers aged 50+
20% of retired respondents would have kept working if possible
Top motivators for staying: phased retirement (54%) and self-employment options (52%)
Key retention factors: skill transfer (55%) and reduced physical workload (45%)
Women more likely to cite mental strain and family reasons for retiring
- Who
- Older workers in Québec and the organizations employing them
- What
- Challenges and potential solutions for retaining older workers
- When
- Studies conducted in 2022
- Where
- Québec, Canada
- Why
- To address labor shortages and better manage an aging workforce
- Survey Scope
- 2,000 Québecers aged 50-75 and 279 organizations
- Companies with Retention Measures
- 37% (46% private, 24% public)
- Retired but Willing to Work
- 20%
- Top Retention Motivator
- Phased retirement (54%)
- Key Retention Factor
- Skill transfer and knowledge sharing (55%)