Stress levels at work peak at 50, decrease towards retirement

A new study has revealed that older workers are healthy survivors of the workplace as stress levels at work peak when people reach about 50 to 55 years of age and decrease towards retirements.

Lead researcher Amanda Griffiths, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology, reviewed hundreds of publications from the last 20 years and found that the effects of stress in the working lives can stay with us well into retirement.

"Work related stress is thought to be responsible for more lost working days than any other cause and it is becoming clear that it is also one factor affecting older workers' willingness and ability to remain in the labour force," said Griffiths.

"Therefore, protecting tomorrow's older workers, as well as today's, will pay dividends, as older workers will form a major part of tomorrow's workforce," she added.

The new study suggests that the reason studies show smaller number of workers report high stress levels once in their 50s might be because they have left stressful posts in favour of something less demanding; they already have retired voluntarily or because of ill health; or increasing seniority can give staff more control over their working life which makes it less stressful.

The report says this makes older staff the healthy 'survivors' of the workplace.

It suggests that stress could be eased by giving older staff more control over their job; better recognition for the contribution they make; increased flexible working; and improvements in social support.

"As we get older people's priorities may also change; they often have caring responsibilities, or wish to spend time with grandchildren and develop other interests," said Griffiths.

"Their work and career may not be their primary drivers. Making work attractive and flexible - to allow older people to balance work and their other interests more easily may be one very important step forward," she added.