Over 70% of companies have employees over 60 years old

On August 17, specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters Japan announced the survey results on working beyond the retirement age. Amidst declining birthrates and an aging population, the revision of the Act on Stabilization of Employment of Elderly Persons has increased attention to the employment of senior citizens. From April 2025, all companies in Japan will be required to allow employees who wish to continue working until the age of 65 to do so. A total of 728 full-time employees in their 20s to 60s, working for Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies, responded to the survey.

More than 70% of companies have active employees over 60 years old

In our survey, 73% of respondents said that there are employees over the age of 60 who are still working at their company, indicating that many employees are still active after 60. When looking at the type of company respondents worked at, 78% were from Japanese companies, while 67% were from foreign-affiliated companies. This suggests that active seniors are more prevalent in Japanese companies.

Among employees aged 60 and over, 76% of those working for Japanese companies answered that they work full-time, while 87% of those working for foreign-affiliated companies answered that they work full-time. While a larger number of senior employees are active in Japanese companies, senior employees at foreign companies are more likely to work the same number of hours as employees under the age of 60.

Benefits of having employees over 60 years old

When asked what the benefits are of having senior employees over 60 years old, the most common response across all age groups was that they have a wealth of experience and knowledge. This was especially appreciated by those in their 20s and 30s (64%). Other common responses included “they are well-connected and can introduce business partners” and “they possess a broader view of the overall business.”

Conversely, regarding difficulties working with senior employees, the top response among all age groups except those in their 40s was that “they stick to their own ways and experience”; among those in their 40s, the top response was “weaker IT skills” (25%).

Based on the survey results, companies could make further efforts to create reskilling opportunities and match the right person for the right job to expand opportunities for senior employees to continue playing an active role in the business.

(Survey period: 26 April – 2 May 2022, Target: Company employees registered with Robert Walters Japan and living in Japan n=728)

About Robert Walters Japan:

Established in London, United Kingdom, in 1985, Robert Walters is a specialist recruitment consultancy with operations in 31 countries around the world. Robert Walters Japan established its Tokyo office in 2000 and Osaka office in 2007.  For over 20 years, we've been a driving force in the Japanese bilingual recruitment market, providing high quality candidates for our clients and access to the best jobs. Our consultants are experts in their respective industries and work in teams to provide recruitment consultation services across a wide range of industries and job categories.

Press contact:

PR & Communications, Robert Walters Japan
Phone: 03-4570-1500  E-mail: info@robertwalters.co.jp