Participation and Continuation Factors of Volunteer Activities Among Retired Government Employees: Evidence from South Korea

This study aims to analyze the motivations and participation and continuity factors of voluntary activities among retired government employees and, thus, offer theoretical and policy recommendations to encourage and retain their involvement. A total of 337 retired government employees in South Korea were surveyed in this study. First, this study found that the most important motivations for volunteering among retired government employees are other-oriented (altruistic) (67.5%) rather than self-oriented (egoistic) (29.2%). Second, personal difficulties in participating in volunteer activities for retired employees were lack of expertise, health problems, and economic burden. Third, the main characteristics of retired employees participating in volunteer activities were retirees who have volunteering experience while working in the past, are women, are active participants in religious activities, and have a high level of education. Finally, retired employees who continued to volunteer after retirement had the following characteristics: a relatively long post-retirement period, volunteer experience while in office, good economic conditions, self-recognized poor health conditions, and high overall life satisfaction. Plain language summary Exploring why retired government employees volunteer in South Korea This research looks into why retired government employees in South Korea choose to volunteer and what makes them continue doing so. I surveyed 337 retired government workers to understand their motivations and challenges. The study revealed that most retirees volunteer because they want to help others (67.5%), showing a strong focus on altruism rather than personal gain (29.2%). I also discovered that personal challenges, like lack of expertise, health issues, and economic burdens, can hinder retired individuals from participating in volunteer activities. Additionally, the study highlighted certain characteristics of retired employees who actively volunteer. They tend to be individuals who volunteered while working, women, active in religious activities, and highly educated. Those who continue volunteering after retirement, typically have spent a longer time in retirement, have prior volunteer experience from their working years, enjoy good economic conditions, acknowledge some health challenges, and report high overall life satisfaction. The findings of this research aim to provide insights for encouraging and sustaining the involvement of retired government