Older Workers Struggle to Showcase Skills on Freelancing Platforms, Study Finds

HR Dive · United States · Sep 22, 2026

A new study published in the Journal of Administrative Science Quarterly found that older workers transitioning to freelance platforms like Upwork face a 'cold start' problem, as these platforms fail to adequately recognize their established credentials and professional reputations. Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and Cambridge Judge Business School describe a 'reputation system misalignment' that disadvantages late-career workers accustomed to traditional credentialing. With workers over 55 comprising roughly 23% of the workforce and talent shortages intensifying due to retirements, the findings signal a meaningful gap that staffing firms and HR teams could help bridge. Experts recommend tapping resources like AARP and veteran networks to connect older talent with employers.