Policies for an Aging Labor Force: Keeping Older Workers with Health Conditions Employed

Each year, millions of older workers leave the labor force and retire prematurely, often because of health shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have only exacerbated this. In this brief, we explore how providing workplace accommodations can help more workers remain in the labor force. Although we focus on workers over age 55, workplace accommodations could also help many younger workers who develop a health condition that inhibits their ability to work. States with paid leave programs are especially well positioned to help workers stay in the labor force.