The Improvement Services Needs Your Help
The Improvement Service along with a postgraduate student are carrying out a project looking at the retention of senior employees within Scotland’s local government workforce.
The aim of this study is to explore the factors influencing late-career employees’ decisions to remain in or leave the workforce. Specifically, it investigates the organisational practices, personal motivations, and workplace conditions that support or hinder older workers in extending their careers. The findings will contribute to evidence-based recommendations to support workforce planning and age-inclusive employment strategies in the public sector.
The study involves confidential, one-to-one interviews lasting approximately 30–45 minutes, which can be conducted either online or in person based on your preference.
The student is currently seeking volunteers aged 50 and over who are employed in local government roles and are within a few years of retirement or considering future work plans. The aim is to gain first-hand insights into your experiences, motivations, and what types of support you feel would be most beneficial in helping you continue in your role if desired.
Participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will be anonymised in the final report. If you would like to take part or learn more about the research, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your insights would be incredibly valuable and could help shape future policies and practices for retaining experienced employees in Scotland’s public sector.
Anyone who is willing to be interviewed on this topic or to find out more can contact Kadambari Sen directly by emailing k.k.sen@sms.ed.ac.uk