Age is Just a Number? Unveiling How Perceptions of Age Influence Safety and Motivation in the Workplace

Purpose This study explores the dynamics of workplace safety, specifically examining how both objective and subjective age moderate the relationships between safety climate, safety motivation, compliance, and participation. It aims to understand how subjective age perceptions shape safety attitudes and behaviors, underscoring the importance of psychological and environmental factors in promoting workplace safety. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 333 Italian employees from various sectors, using an online questionnaire to collect data. Results The findings reveal that a positive safety climate significantly enhances motivation for safety compliance, with motivation acting as a key mediator in this process. Subjective age interacts in complex ways with both safety climate and motivation, indirectly influencing safety behaviors. Notably, the impact of subjective age on safety outcomes is mediated through safety motivation, rather than exerting a direct effect. Original Value: By incorporating the concept of subjective age into the study of workplace safety, this research provides new insights into the intersection of psychological states and safety behaviors. This approach addresses the increasing age diversity in the workforce, contributing to the occupational safety and health literature with a deeper understanding of how age-related perceptions shape safety practices.