For many office workers, retirement won’t mean an end to their careers. Only one in three workers (34%) polled said they plan to quit work entirely once they’re ready to retire from full-time employment, according to a survey released today.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, a provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 492 full- or part-time adult workers employed in office environments.
“Longer life spans, increased financial responsibilities, and a desire to remain mentally and physically active are prompting today’s workers to view retirement differently than their predecessors,” said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, in a release.
Workers were asked: “When you are ready to retire, do you see yourself quitting work entirely or taking one of the following options?” Their responses included:
- Quit work entirely, 34%;
- Change fields/work at something new, 24%;
- Work as a consultant, 14%;
- Work fewer hours for the same company, 14%;
- Take a part-time job, 2%;
- Continue to work/not plan to retire, 2%; and
- Volunteer, 1%.
“The desire by many professionals to remain in the workforce past the traditional retirement age could be a boon to employers concerned about talent shortages, which are predicted to intensify.” McDonald added.