Finland — Age management in the City of Naantali

In total, 28 % of the City of Naantali’s workforce is aged over 55 years, with a further 3 %–4% expected to reach retirement age each year between 2014 and 2020. Its age management programme aims to offset these demographic challenges, reduce sickness absence and increase the average retirement age. A series of measures were implemented for workers over the age of 55. These included performance reviews with a specific discussion on age-related concerns, relevant work adjustments or transfers following incapacity, maintenance of tacit knowledge through partnering schemes, training accessible to all, enhanced occupational health care, management training and a ‘senior team’ organising well-being initiatives for older workers. Since the establishment of the programme, sickness absence has decreased and the average retirement age has increased by 2.1 years. Success factors include the strong legislative support, company culture, participative approach and diversity of measures implemented. The programme is transferable to all sizes and sectors, particularly its management training on work ability and performance reviews to accommodate issues related to older workers.