The ways that people retire can differ significantly – particularly with regard to the choice and control involved. Researchers examined the relationship between satisfaction with life and nature of retirement amongst 1,388 workers in multinational corporations and government institutions in Holland.

Their perceived satisfaction with life (SWL) was measured on two occasions, separated by 6 years. When researchers examined the impact of a voluntary choice to retire, they found that this had a positive impact on SWL scores. When the researchers looked at those whose retirement had been compulsory or related to health issues, they found that SWL scores were strongly negatively impacted.

The findings have implications for the development of organisational initiatives aimed at helping workers transition into retirement in such a way as to maintain high levels of subjective well-being.

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