Norway — Oslo Airport’s ‘Life Phase’ policy

OSL owns and operates Norway's main airport. With 500 employees, the average age of whom is 46 years, and over 50 % shift work, OSL developed their ‘Life Phase’ policy to reduce sickness absence and occupational disability, while retaining skilled workers for longer. A senior OSH programme was developed including health promotion activities, development of skills/competence, flexible working hours and the development of a human resource management programme focusing on ageing and life-course issues. For the over-50s, health monitoring, regular health checks and seminars on health and career planning were put in place. Flexible working, increased time off and transfer or retraining were introduced. Health promotion activities and courses were organised targeting nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. In partnership with the University of Stavanger, management receive training on issues related to older workers. The average retirement age of OSL has increased by three years (ahead of its targeted six-month increase) and sickness absence and the number of employees classified medically disabled has reduced. Employees report 90 % job satisfaction and OSL received national recognition for its senior policy. Success factors include the commitment of top management, stakeholder coordination, external support and the diversity of measures. The key principles are transferable to any company.