Age and a Subjective Evaluation of the Occupational Situation. Empirical Evidence from Poland

Abstract

Research background Employees of different ages have different needs and capabilities regarding their professional work. Effective age management requires a proper diagnosis of these elements. Purpose The article aims to compare the occupational situation of employees of different ages. An attempt was made to verify how representatives of different age groups (young, mature and older employees) perceive their occupational situation. Research methodology Data were collected through an online survey (CAWI) conducted among a representative sample of 1,067 full-time employees in Poland. Respondents rated the different elements that make up their job situation. As the research progressed, the results were aggregated. The mean score in each age group was calculated. Finally, a series of non-parametric analyses of variance (Kruskal-Wallis test) were carried out to check for any differences between the groups. Results Of the 24 components of the occupational situation analysed, only 12 showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Some results confirmed intuitive assumptions (e.g. regarding work experience) and some contradicted them (e.g. regarding familiarity with modern technologies). Novelty: Many common opinions about the occupational situation of younger and older employees are not reflected in reality.