The objective of this report was to summarize the available evidence from the scientific literature on the effects of policy changes aimed at improving employment participation in older workers. A scoping review of the literature was performed. Policies were categorized at either "sticks" (having negative consequences) or "carrots" (being positive and reward oriented. Many of the "stick" policies have small to marginal effects on labour force participation of older workers, while suffering from major side effects such as an increase in unemployment in younger workers and an increase in sick leave by older workers. "Carrot" policies, like workplace accommodations, seem to be more successful and less prone to serious side effects for older workers. However, the “stick approaches” (e.g., changing the age of retirement) tend to be applicable to every worker; whereas accommodation might easier or only be possible in a certain segment of workers, for instance those that are not engaged in strenuous, physical jobs. It seems that there is a place for “stick” approaches, where side effects could be mitigated by providing additional support, for instance by providing counselling for possible mental health consequences in older job seekers.
