Can We Ever Retire? New Poll Highlights a Troubling Trend for Younger Australians

A new nationwide poll by recruitment firm people2people has revealed stark generational divides in retirement expectations—raising big questions for Australian small businesses, the economy, and the future of work.

While many older Australians expect to retire in their 60s, younger generations simply don’t see that as a possibility.

The Retirement Dream Is Slipping Away

The survey, conducted in April 2025, paints a confronting picture:

• Only 7% of Gen Z and 8% of Millennials believe they will ever be able to retire.

• By contrast, 21% of Gen X and Baby Boomers still expect to retire at some point.

• A staggering 3 in 5 Australians (60%) believe younger generations will never retire.

Half of Gen Z workers say they’ll need to work until at least 70, with 38% expecting to work well into their mid-70s or later. Meanwhile, just 22% of older generations expect to be working at that age.

As people2people puts it:

“Younger generations aren’t just adjusting expectations—they’re preparing for the reality of working longer. But if we expect people to work into their 70s, we have to fix the structural issues that stand in the way, especially ageism.”

Ageism in the Workforce: A Hidden Barrier

The poll also highlights a growing issue for Australian businesses: age discrimination.

Nine in ten Australians (89%) believe employers rarely or never hire people near or past retirement age. A third of respondents said people over 65 have virtually no chance of being hired at all.

For SMEs, this points to a double challenge: an ageing workforce that needs to work longer, and a hiring system that quietly pushes them out.

What This Means for Australian Businesses

For small businesses, the message is clear:

• Rethink recruitment strategies to include older workers.

• Build age-diverse teams that reflect Australia’s changing demographics.

• Consider flexible roles, upskilling opportunities, and mentorship programmes to make the most of experienced workers.

The economic and social fabric of Australia is shifting. As more Australians expect to work longer, businesses that adapt to these realities—by offering inclusive hiring practices and supporting older employees—will be better placed for the future.

After all, if we expect people to work into their 70s, the systems that support them need to keep up.

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