Employer interest in phased retirement programs growing.

• Position: CHANGING GUARD

To address a looming talent shortage, as 25 percent of the workforce nears retirement age, and help transition employees to an easier and more affordable retirement, more companies are considering implementing phased retirement programs, according to Hewitt Associates.

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The survey of more than 140 mid-size and large employers revealed that 61 percent have, or will, develop special programs to retain targeted, near-retirement employees. While just 21 percent believe that phased retirement is critical to...