The Age-Well-Being Paradox in the Public Sector: A Generational Analysis of Life Satisfaction Among Government Employees in Abu Dhabi

Purpose-This study examines how well-being determinants shape life satisfaction across career stages among government employees in Abu Dhabi. By analysing separate regression models for different age groups, the study identifies shifts in key predictors over time. Methods-Using data from 51,638 government employees, multiple regression analysis assessed the impact of economic stability, job experiences, social relationships, and health factors on life satisfaction. The analysis was conducted separately for each age category. Results-Findings reveal age-specific shifts in well-being determinants. Income and job satisfaction are key in early career stages, while work-life balance and family satisfaction become more relevant in mid-career. Later stages emphasize subjective health, emotional well-being, and social ties, with job-related factors declining in significance. The predictive power of the model increases with age, suggesting greater stability in well-being determinants over time. Conclusions and implications-The study calls for age-targeted workplace policies. Early-career employees benefit from financial and career support, mid-career workers from work-life balance initiatives, and older employees from retirement planning and health programs. Life satisfaction evolves with career stages, requiring tailored well-being strategies. Policymakers and organizations can enhance workforce well-being by addressing the changing priorities of employees over time. Limitations & Future Research-The cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal inference, as differences observed between age groups may reflect cohort effects rather than true age-related changes. For instance, older employees may report higher life satisfaction not because of aging per se but due to generational differences in work values, economic security, or social expectations. Future longitudinal research is therefore needed to disentangle age, period, and cohort influences on well-being and to trace how life satisfaction evolves as individuals progress through their careers.