The number of early retirements has increased drastically in the past few years.
According to published information, thousands of public sector employees chose to retire through the Selective Early Retirement Scheme launched by the government in 2019.
Many others also opted for early retirement from the private sector following changes to the retirement law.
A considerable body of international research has examined early retirement, particularly when it follows economic or structural changes.
It would be valuable for Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) to examine this phenomenon in the kingdom through dedicated research.
Research should explore how retirees’ experience and skills can continue to benefit the economy.
Could the private sector provide early retirees with adequate opportunities?
How can their skills be used to fill labour market gaps through part-time employment, temporary assignments, consultancy, mentoring, or other flexible roles?
Research should also examine the sociological aspects of early retirement.
For example, do retirees have meaningful places to spend their time other than shopping malls and coffee shops?
How does early retirement affect their social lives and sense of purpose?
Yousif B
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