Exploring Management Attitudes Towards Promoting Digital Literacy in Older Workers: A Qualitative Study in Turkey's Urban Workplaces

This study explores management attitudes towards promoting digital literacy among older workers in urban workplaces in Turkey. With digitalisation transforming industries and an ageing workforce, digital literacy has become a critical skill for ensuring longer working careers and effective workforce participation. Despite the growing emphasis on digital upskilling, research on managerial perspectives in Turkey remains limited. Using a qualitative approach, this study examines the perceptions, barriers, and strategies of managers in fostering digital literacy for employees aged 50 and above. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from diverse sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and retail, in major urban centres such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Additionally, document analysis of organisational training programs and Turkish labour policies was undertaken. Thematic analysis revealed key factors influencing management attitudes, including cultural biases, resource constraints, and perceptions of older workers’ adaptability. Findings indicate that while some managers recognise the value of upskilling older employees, organisational barriers and stereotypes often hinder inclusive training efforts. This study highlights the need for tailored policies and practices to address these challenges and provides actionable insights to promote equitable digital literacy initiatives in Turkish workplaces. The results also offer a basis for cross-cultural comparisons within the broader European context.