Denmark — Job satisfaction for employees of all ages: senior policy at cemetery

Roskilde Cemeteries, comprising three cemeteries and one crematorium, employs 32 people, nine of whom are over 45 years of age and classified by the company as ‘senior’. Its senior policy was developed in 2007 by an internal working group and was facilitated by an external consultant, in line with the company’s intention to retain older workers. Focus groups with younger and older workers, interviews with individual managers, employee survey questionnaires and consultant observation led to a series of recommendations. These were then aligned with the company policy and culture and were communicated to employees. The senior policy applies to those over 45 and includes general benefits such as additional family care days and regular interviews about self-perceived work ability. Specific measures included reduced working hours with no impact on pension, task rotation and adapting tasks. Success factors include the partnership with external experts, the systematic approach undertaken and the relevance to all employees. This needs-based approach is transferable to other workplaces, with the specific measures applicable to cemeteries.