Strategies of Awareness of the Retirement in Employees of a Mexican Company

Abstract

An intervention study was made with an initial self-evaluation and a summative evaluation for the purpose of fostering awareness of the retirement process in employees nearing retirement at a Mexican waterworks company. Sensitization strategies consisted of giving two successive interactive conferences. Data were gathered using the SQA-E metacognitive format with two open questions and during the plenary sessions. The 92 employees over 55 years old who participated were divided into five groups. Each group received the same information presented in a completely similar manner. A thematic analysis was made of the data to gather information about prior and subsequent knowledge and expectations. Employees successfully learned about the historical and politico-economic situation of retirement, devised their own definition of retirement and learned about the need to plan and become prepared. They wanted to stay active, improve their health and quality of life, strengthen their social networks, participate socially and manage their income. They decided that they would retire voluntarily, they would have an economic plan, would establish a positive attitude and peace of mind, would try to be happy and enjoy retirement to the fullest and prepare for old age by learning to live alone. A link between the university and the company was forged. We suggest continuing to promote preparation with two sensitization conferences because they help employees to become aware of retirement, to want to plan for it and to stay active, to involve family members and colleagues, and to use the comprehensive evaluation of large groups.