1 in 5 Gen Xers Don't Expect to Ever Fully Retire, Zety Study Finds

HR Dive · United States · Aug 17, 2026

A new Zety report of 1,000+ Gen X workers finds 19% do not expect to ever fully retire, with another 19% planning to work well past age 68 — largely driven by inflation and cost-of-living pressures. Over half of Gen Xers say they're worried they haven't saved enough, and 36% report their income barely covers expenses. For staffing agencies, an aging workforce that delays retirement signals sustained labor supply among experienced older workers, even as it also points to growing demand for flexible, part-time, and encore-career placements. HR and benefits education gaps highlighted in the report create additional opportunities for workforce consultants and staffing firms serving clients looking to retain or recruit older talent.