Demystifying employee disclosure of retirement plans at work

In this proposed research we aim to identify the key predictors and outcomes of employees’ disclosure of retirement plans (DRP) to their supervisor. Both the employee and the employer benefit from an open and honest DRP conversation. The employee often needs accommodations and support from the employer in the lead up to retirement; DRP is often the first step in addressing these needs. Employers will be better able to meet employee needs for accommodations (and other retirement planning support such as training) if they are aware of the employee’s plans. Knowledge of employee’s retirement plans helps the employer better prepare for the retirement and its aftermath by engaging in succession planning and if relevant, entice the employee to continue being engaged with the organisation post-retirement. Unfortunately, there is no systematic research directed at understanding the predictors and outcomes of DRP. Given the benefits for employees and employers of DRP, evidence-based insights into this process are of vital importance. In the proposed research, we will conduct a rigorous examination of the individual and workplace dynamics that influence DRP and its consequences.