Abstract
We begin this chapter with a discussion of the macro-level changes, such as globalization, diversity, and technological advancements, that are changing work in the twenty-first century. Then, we discuss the more prominent micro-level changes influencing the nature of work, such as opportunities for lifelong learning and rewards; changes with regard to employee expectations, particularly with regard to work-life balance and personal flexibility; and an increased focus on the use of talents. Next, we shift to discussing the changing nature of retirement, examining how individual attributes, job and organizational factors, family factors, and socioeconomic factors are all changing the way we think about retirement. We next focus on two emerging concepts, work ability and bridge employment, and examine how they are shaping how we think about retirement in the twenty-first century. The need to look at both the antecedents and outcomes of retirement from a multilevel perspective is discussed next, before we conclude with several recommendations for future research.