Ageing and Job Satisfaction: A Comparison between Native and Migrant Workers in Italy

Eleonora Trappolini, Sapienza University of Rome
Maria Felice Arezzo, Università di Roma "La Sapienza"
Alessandra De Rose, Sapienza University of Rome

In high-income countries, population ageing and migration are reshaping population structures, creating challenges for healthcare, pensions, and intergenerational support. Migration adds complexity by diversifying the workforce, and as policies aim to extend working lives, the impact on older workers, particularly in demanding jobs, varies. In Italy, the workforce is ageing rapidly, with more older migrants contributing to this demographic change. In this context, examining job satisfaction among older native and migrant workers is crucial, as previous studies highlight links between low job satisfaction, reduced performance, higher rates of sickness absence, and health problems. This study investigates the role of migration status on job satisfaction among older workers in Italy, distinguishing between those who arrived later in life (>40 years old, <10 years residence) and those who aged in Italy (<40 years old, >10 years residence). Using data from the 2014–2022 Italian Labour Force Survey and OLS models stratified by sex and occupation, results show that migrants are generally more satisfied than natives, especially those who aged in Italy, with women reporting higher satisfaction levels. Contract type and working hours significantly impact job satisfaction. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing policies that enhance well-being and promote longer working lives.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Migrant Populations and Refugees, Human Capital, Education, and Work

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