A Comprehensive Analysis of Internal and External Factors Influencing the Reemployment of Elite Older Workers in Hebei, China

This paper focuses on a new trend in the Chinese labor market: more retirees pursue reemployment, especially for elite older workers. This paper employs a social network approach to explore factors influencing their continued working choices. The study adopts the semi-structured interview method. It involves interviewing 12 reemployed older workers in the education, medical, and skill services sectors in Hebei Province, China. The findings reveal internal and external factors contributing to their reemployment. Internally, the study identifies abundant human capital, positive values, reduced family burdens, and sustaining physical well-being as critical factors influencing reemployment. Externally, supportive social networks, government coordination, the preservation of traditional culture, and suitable work conditions also play pivotal roles in facilitating the reemployment process. Economic incentives are not the primary motivation; instead, ongoing social engagement within social networks and cultural contexts plays a crucial role in influencing their decisions regarding reemployment.