Perceptions and transitions towards retirement

Abstract

In a period of rapid population ageing that is driving up government expenditure on social security benefits and health care, fiscal sustainability and the balance of burden-sharing between generations are issues of vital policy concern that need to be urgently addressed. Given the relative size of the baby boomer cohort, significant demand will be placed upon the public provision system if retirement income streams are inadequate. This study contributes insights into 60 employees' perceptions and expectations about their retirement from the workforce. It complements existing literature by extending discussions about the perceived barriers and facilitators that exist with respect to retirement planning within specific workplace contexts. The project focuses on transitions to retirement and the factors which participants themselves identify as relevant to their capacity to achieve their desired outcomes in retirement as they become older members of the workforce.