New Zealand is a fantastic place to live, for so many reasons. One of the most recent findings is encouraging for those who are looking to enjoy their career long term – PwC’s Golden Age Index has recently found that New Zealand is one of the best-performing OECD countries when it comes to harnessing the economic power of workers aged 55 and above.
The Index studied employment, earnings and training in 34 countries and averaged out the findings – that reflect the labour market impact of workers aged over 55. New Zealand has ranked second in the two most recent surveys, while also ranking as one of the most improved countries since the Index started in 2003. The only country to rate above New Zealand was Iceland ranks above New Zealand.
PwC Consulting Partner, Scott Mitchell says, “The latest Index findings clearly show that New Zealand is consistently well ahead of the pack when it comes to supporting older workers.
“However, there is still more for businesses to do to support mature workers. Flexible working arrangements are a start, but we really need to see a cultural change as the number of older workers in New Zealand is projected to grow.”
The growing employment rate for workers in the 65-69 age range has been one of the big increases in New Zealand – in fact the percentage nearly doubled from those who responded in 2003.
Mr Mitchell says, “Kiwis don’t have a fixed retirement age, so older workers can retire when they want to and on average, those that do ‘retire’, continue to work shorter hours per week.
“There is no age limit to access student loans in New Zealand which makes retraining a viable option for older workers who wish to pursue work in other fields.”
Finally, the report included recommendations on how to build on the results thus far, including
- continuing to encourage later retirement for those who are happy to keep working
- encouraging employability by promoting lifelong education and training
- preventing any potential discrimination against older workers through public policy and regulation
The other countries in the Rounding out the top five were Sweden, Israel and Estonia.
bren006 - 8 years ago
When I retire from job in SA at age 65, how do my husband and I get to NZ and find a job there?
What should I google to get information?
We have a son that lives in Hastings.
thx Brenda