Misinformation at Work: Individual and Organisational Dynamics Shaping Older Workers’ Access to Information

In an era where misinformation pervades in every aspect of professional life, older workers face unique challenges that require targeted solutions. This study investigates how age, experience, and organisational practices impact older workers’ ability to deal with misinformation in the workplace. Using qualitative analysis of focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs), we examined the perspectives of older workers about misinformation across various industries. While previous research often links cognitive decline to the diminished ability of all older adults to handle misinformation, our findings challenge this assumption. Our study reveals that older workers aged 50–64, with their experience and exposure to technology, tend to manage misinformation more effectively than their younger counterparts. Age-related vulnerability to misinformation was found to be non-linear; workers aged 50–64 demonstrated greater resilience due to a balance of experience and technological engagement, whereas workers aged 65 and above faced increasing difficulty in fast-paced information environments. The study further reveals that there is a widespread absence of formal organisational strategies and guidelines to address misinformation, which results in reactive and individualised verification practices at work.