Training opportunities for older workers in the Netherlands: a vignette study

Abstract

Demographic changes and labor market challenges highlight the importance of lifelong learning and development for all employees. The current study analyzes the factors that may influence managers’ propensity to offer older workers different kinds of training (specific or general). To investigate this question, a vignette study among 153 managers in Dutch organizations was conducted. Managers were randomly assigned into one of the four experimental conditions that involve a decision regarding specific or general training (aimed at internal or external mobility). The results suggest that managers perceive training incidences as a tool to increase productivity of older workers who perform well and are highly motivated, and far less as a tool to increase productivity of workers who need updating their human capital. The implication of these results is discussed.