AGE RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PAY SYSTEM PERCEPTIONS -A CASE STUDY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION
Minna Nylander, Researcher, Research Program of Rewarding, Laboratory of Work Psychology and Leadership, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Anu Hakonen, Researcher, Research Program of Rewarding, Laboratory of Work Psychology and Leadership, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Kiisa Hulkko-Nyman, Researcher, Research Program of Rewarding, Laboratory of Work Psychology and Leadership, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Christina Sweins, Researcher, Research Program of Rewarding, Laboratory of Work Psychology and Leadership, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to study pay system perceptions in a context of one public sector health care organization. More specifically we aim at describing differences between age groups in total rewards satisfaction and pay system satisfaction. Working life should be developed so that the ageing workforce could continue working until normal retirement (pension) age. Reward systems have a role in creating work attitudes and behavior. In Finland, majority of the public sector organizations have developed new pay systems.
The data was collected in spring 2007 with a questionnaire that had statements on total rewards satisfaction and pay satisfaction. We divided respondents to 4 age groups. Most dissatisfied with the rewarding were age groups 35+ and 45+, the latter being the most critical group. Implications for management are discussed.
Keywords: public sector, pay system perceptions, age group differences