‘Finding the way’ – a qualitative study of work participation among older construction workers

Abstract

Background

Construction workers in Europe are, like other employees in the future, expected to work until they are in their late sixties. Physically demanding work in the construction sector may challenge older workers. Still, little is known about their perspective on work participation, which could contribute to a deeper understanding of how to keep construction workers in the labour force.

Objective

To explore how older construction workers experience their work participation to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives on work life and factors influencing their decision to remain or leave the labour market.

Methods

Twenty semi-structured individual interviews with male construction workers between 56 and 66 of age were conducted, and thematic narrative analysis was performed to identify their perspectives on work participation.

Results

Three core narratives were identified, illustrating how former work life shaped construction workers’ perspectives on current work participation and future work life. One narrative gave insight about a demanding work life, another narrative how they found ways to manage and lastly a narrative emphasised work ethics and economy. Years of hard labour and health risks had influenced their current work life and how they view future work, yet they had adapted and managed construction work while ageing.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize how construction workers’ continuing work participation depends on their physical capability, a supportive work environment and their financial situation. Future interventions targeting construction worker's work participation while ageing need to consider how employers and labour market policies can help retain construction workers in the workforce.