Are all workers influenced to stay by similar factors, or should different retention strategies be implemented? : comparing younger and older aged-care workers in Australia

The global financial crisis led many older workers to delay retirement or to re-enter the workforce (O'Loughlin, Humpel and Kendig 2010). This has resulted in an increase in age diversity within organisations. This age diversity leads to improved creativity (Crampton and Hodge 2007) and improved productivity (llmakunnas and llmakunnas 2011). However, for human resource management professionals, age diversity can be challenging. Research comparing younger and older workers'intentions to stay is limited; this study continues that inquiry. To investigate intentions, a cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to 2118 employees in the aged-care sector; 359 useable questionnaires were analysed. Results revealed similarities and differences between younger and older workers' intentions to stay Variables such as perceived organisational support (POS), perceived supervisor support (PSS), and job embeddedness are analysed.