Why seniors belong in the workplace

Across the world, countries grappling with ageing populations are reassessing the role of older people in the workforce.

Japan, long known for its culture of respecting its senior citizens, offers one of the most striking examples. Its approach stands in sharp contrast to the situation in Australia, where National Seniors Australia (NSA) continues to advocate strongly for reform through its Let Pensioners Work campaign.

In Japan, respect for older workers does not merely manifest in social norms; it is built into workplace structures. Many companies continue to employ seniors well past traditional retirement age, even if this means moving them into less demanding roles.

This phenomenon is embodied in the madogiwazoku or “window tribe” – older employees who are paid to remain on staff despite having reduced responsibilities.

Rather than being dismissed, they are reassigned and allowed to continue contributing to workplace culture and stability. Often, as the name suggests, these people sit near the window.

This reflects long‑standing traditions of lifetime employment and seniority‑based pay, where loyalty is valued as highly as productivity.

This approach has a measurable effect: Japan now has one of the highest senior employment rates in the developed world, with more than a quarter of people aged 65+ still working.

This far surpasses countries such as the United States (18.6%) and the United Kingdom (10.9%). In Australia, it’s about 15%.

Many older Japanese want to stay in the workforce. Around 80% express a desire to continue working, with 70% preferring to remain with their current employer.

While Japan’s system is not without its flaws – reduced wages and semi‑retirement structures can frustrate older employees – the cultural respect afforded to senior workers remains a powerful driver of participation.

Even as automation reshapes global labour markets, Japan’s model acknowledges the social and economic value of retaining experienced workers.

Australia’s situation differs substantially. Here, the desire among older people to work is strong, but structural barriers persist.

NSA’s research shows that money is the primary motivator for pensioners considering re‑entering work, but many report ageism as a significant barrier. Meanwhile, complex pension income tests discourage older Australians from taking on more hours – or from working at all.

Through our Let Pensioners Work campaign, NSA argues that retaining older workers is essential, particularly in critical sectors such as aged care and agriculture.