Earticle

This study proposes an exploratory analysis framework for improving the employment environment of SMEs to support the re-employment of middle-aged workers in the income disconnection section from retirement of their main jobs to the time of pension receipt. Based on a systematic review of domestic and foreign prior studies, this study reconstructs this problem in terms of corporate demand rather than in terms of job seeker supply. As a result of the literature review, middle-aged and elderly workers can contribute to the manufacturing industry in terms of accumulated experience, quality management capabilities, process compliance capabilities, and knowledge transfer within the organization, but there are limitations such as age bias, job mismatch, rigid work organization, insufficient education and training, and unfriendly facilities and working environment for the elderly. This study proposes an integrated analysis framework consisting of seven dimensions: organizational culture, management support, job design and work flexibility, mechanical equipment suitability, physical work environment, education and training and knowledge transfer, and suggests an AHP-based expert evaluation design to analyze the priorities of these factors. This study is significant in that it integrates the study of income disconnection section, age-friendly manufacturing workplace study, and SME employment strategy into one consistent research agenda.