The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible changes in work and non work identities (e.g. role identity and core identity), among newly retired employees in their transition from work to retirement. This transition is now seen as a process that involves several stages, including exiting the workforce, re-entering it, re-exiting, and exploring new life roles (Bordia et al., 2020). The loss or alteration of one's work identity as a consequence of retirement may significantly affect individuals and shape their involvement in post-retirement jobs. Individuals, particularly those strongly integrated into their work roles, routines, and professional connections, may undergo a profound loss of work identity upon retiring (Sullivan and Al Ariss, 2019). There is a scarcity of research on the types of identity work they engage in as retirees, and the evolving nature of the retirement transition itself. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the identity challenges faced by blue collar workers. The current study thus aims to include both blue- and white-collar employees among the respondents (Bordia et al., 2020). The methodology has a phenomenological approach as it explores the work identities of 40 respondents (20 recently retired blue collar and 20 recently retired white collar employees). Twenty (10 blue collars and 10 blue collars) will be recruited in Denmark and 20 (10 blue collars and 10 white collars) will be recruited in Norway. Narrative interview techniques will be applied, and the data will be analysed using methods suited to our empirical data. The research will add to the body of knowledge regarding the identity progression of recently retired blue- and white-collar employees. The study will lead to recommendations and insights to inform future designs for interventions such as policies, more inclusive human resources practices towards seniors.