Ageing workers
As the number of young people entering employment falls in the coming years, there will be a significant increase in the proportion of older people in the workforce. Employers will have to rely increasingly on ageing workers, and this could be to their advantage. Some studies show that older workers are more dedicated to the workplace, have fewer sickness absences and stay in jobs longer. The skills, experience and maturity of older workers generally outweigh potential problems such as increasing, age-related ill health.
Promotion of active ageing at the workplace
The European Union has declared 2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. Active ageing and intergenerational solidarity are key aspects in the EU 2020 Strategy, aiming to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Promotion of active ageing in employment means, among other things, ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for everyone, and the adaptation of the working conditions to the health status and capacities of older workers.
EU-OSHA has asked Prof. Juhani Ilmarinen, an internationally renowned expert on the topic, to write an article with his views on the promotion of active ageing in the workplace. This article is the Agency’s first contribution to the European Year 2012 – throughout this year, we will continue to highlight the contribution that good occupational health and safety can make to longer and healthier working lives.
Promoting active ageing in the workplace
