Predicting the retirement age of baby boomers : Effects of work-related variables

This study examined the influence of work-related variables on the timing of retirement of 329 baby boomers occupying senior technical roles within a large government agency. We predicted later retirees would report more positive work-related attitudes and lower turnover intentions compared to early retirees and these differences would explain intended retirement age (after controlling for age, level, and tenure (years) in the organization). We found turnover intentions significantly predicted early and later retiree groups and to be a unique predictor of the age/tenure – retirement age relationship. Findings suggest human resource managers should take account of turnover intentions when monitoring early retirement trends.