Telework and the Aging Workforce: Navigating Flexibility and Caregiving in Italy’s Quaternary Sector

The rapid expansion of telework during the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered substantial shifts in work practices, particularly in economies with aging populations like Italy. While existing literature has explored the impact of telework on gender dynamics and work-life balance, the experiences of senior workers aged 55 and above have been underexamined. This article addresses this gap by investigating how telework affects senior and pre-senior workers in Italy, where remote work is on the rise against the backdrop of demographic aging.

Drawing on a qualitative study of teleworkers in Milan's quaternary sector, the research highlights both challenges and opportunities posed by telework for this demographic. Many senior workers belong to the "sandwich generation," balancing paid work with caregiving for both children and elderly parents. While telework affords flexibility and reduced commuting time, it also exposes these workers to risks of overwork and intensifies the demands of unpaid care work. However, contrary to conventional views, this study finds that senior workers also leverage telework as a strategy to "quiet quit" by redefining work-life boundaries without opting for early retirement.

These findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions that address the distinct challenges faced by older workers, acknowledging both the benefits and limitations of telework in fostering sustainable labor force participation among aging populations.