Working conditions and organizational practices to support well-being of multiage workforce in Germany, USA, Japan, and South Korea

Purpose The study details the development of the Later Life Workplace Index (LLWI) in Germany and its adaptation for use in the USA, Japan, and South Korea. The objective is to determine how the LLWI can be utilized to improve workplace environments and enhance the productive engagement of ageing employees across diverse organizational settings. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents findings from several publications of a multimethod research project aimed at developing the LLWI. Surveys were designed to encompass all relevant dimensions and indicators of workplace practices affecting older workers. The responses were statistically analyzed to generate index values, providing a metric for comprehensive evaluation and benchmarking. The Japanese and Korean versions were developed based on the original German and USA versions. Findings The results indicated that organizations using the LLWI effectively identified critical areas for improvement and strengths in managing older employees. The index helped organizations pinpoint discrepancies between existing policies and the actual workplace experiences of older employees, thus offering a basis for strategic enhancements. The cross-cultural adaptability underscores its potential as a globally recognized tool. Originality/value This study makes a unique contribution to the field of organizational management by demonstrating the practical application and benefits of the LLWI as a comprehensive diagnostic tool for managing ageing workforce across three continents.