The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that one-third (32%) of those aged 65 to 74 are expected to remain in the workforce by 2030 – a figure that's grown 13% over the last two decades. A combination of factors including shifting perceptions of aging have encouraged employers to recognize the unique value that older employees offer as workers, colleagues and mentors. By putting measures in place to support their older workers, employers can benefit through retention and save on the cost of recruiting, onboarding and training new employees.

Voya Cares — a program of Voya Financial that is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and special needs from birth through aging — joined forces with Easterseals on research to help employers understand the changing landscape of traditional retirement planning. The research paper, Employment Extenders: A (labor) force to be reckoned with, uncovered who employment extenders are, why they matter and how employers can help them. For example, tailored workplace benefits can help to retain "employment extenders" – older workers who are staying in the workforce.