Dr Simon McCabe, a senior lecturer in behavioural science and head of the Healthy Work Research Unit at Aston University, has highlighted key generational changes in attitudes toward work, retirement, and purpose-driven careers.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Healthy Work Podcast, Dr McCabe explores how these shifts affect both younger and older workers and discusses how different life experiences shape their career aspirations.
The podcast episode, titled Existential Concerns and the Future of Work, brings new insights into how younger generations, including millennials and Gen Z, are pursuing sustainability and social impact roles as opposed to conventional career tracks. McCabe explains that economic challenges and major global events, including COVID-19, have shaped younger workers’ outlooks, pushing them toward jobs with purpose and away from traditional employment paths. For older workers, existential challenges often arise upon retirement, as they adjust to life beyond structured work routines.
Mental Health and Identity Challenges
Dr McCabe points out that many older workers face unexpected mental and physical health challenges upon retirement. He explains that “retirement isn’t what many expect, especially when you’ve spent your whole life working.” Losing the structure of regular employment can lead to social isolation and a loss of identity, which can be particularly difficult for retirees who built their identities around their careers.
Gender differences also play a significant role in retirement adjustment, according to McCabe. He observes that older men, in particular, often struggle to redefine their roles and identities outside of work. In contrast, many older workers are now seeking to re-enter the workforce in roles that focus on generativity and mentorship. For this group, passing on expertise and leaving a legacy has become more appealing than simply earning material rewards.
Seeking Meaningful Work in Sustainability
The episode further explores how younger generations are redefining career priorities. According to Dr McCabe, “Younger people today aren’t as driven by money – they’re looking for purpose.” For millennials and Gen Z, careers in sustainability and social impact are increasingly attractive, marking a significant shift from the career motivations of previous generations.
Dr McCabe’s research suggests that younger workers’ motivations are shaped by exposure to pressing social issues and a challenging economic landscape. Rather than following traditional career paths, they are more inclined to seek roles with a meaningful impact, whether in environmental sustainability or roles with social purpose. McCabe’s findings align with broader trends in the future of work, where employees increasingly value work-life balance, flexibility, and purposeful roles over purely financial incentives.
Reframing Roles to Bridge Generational Work Divides
The episode touches on how organisations can address these generational divides. For older workers, re-entering the workforce in roles that focus on mentorship or leadership can provide a sense of purpose, allowing them to leave a legacy by sharing their expertise. McCabe’s research suggests that companies willing to reframe job roles with a focus on generativity and legacy might better attract experienced professionals back into the workforce, thereby bridging some of the gaps between generations.
Dr McCabe believes these generational shifts are more than trends; they represent a cultural shift in how people of different ages perceive work and retirement. To hear more insights on the role of existential psychology in explaining these differences, tune into The Healthy Work Podcast episode Existential Concerns and the Future of Work, where McCabe discusses his research in depth.