Six companies aim to make working life more attractive for seniors
“Seniors are a key factor in addressing the labour shortage.” So says Ole Krogh Petersen, CEO of PFA, who, together with five major Danish companies, is now presenting three commitments to seniors.
The labour shortage is one of the biggest challenges Denmark faces. According to the Confederation of Danish Enterprise, Danish companies will lack 130,000 employees by 2033. Part of the solution lies with the country’s seniors, which is why PFA has joined forces with Danfoss, Ikea, Salling Group, Coop and Rambøll to launch the initiative “The Senior Pledge.”
“As Denmark’s largest pension company, it is clear to us that seniors represent enormous potential. Many have both the desire and the ability to remain in the workforce, but it requires us as companies to make it attractive for them to stay. That’s why we are proud to stand alongside five of Denmark’s largest companies on this important agenda,” says Ole Krogh Petersen, adding:
“If we become better at retaining and attracting seniors, we can alleviate the labour shortage. This benefits individuals, businesses and society.”
Three concrete commitments
Through “The Senior Pledge,” the six companies commit to working strategically with senior employment. The initiative is built on three clear commitments:
- To develop strategies that unlock the potential of senior employees and enable them to work beyond the official retirement age.
- To evaluate and follow up on specific efforts to strengthen the retention of seniors.
- To share experiences and results so other companies can be inspired.
“We hope that even more companies will join ‘The Senior Pledge’ and help promote a culture where the experience and skills of seniors are valued and utilised. This is an agenda that requires action from all of us,” says Ole Krogh Petersen.
From retirement to flexibility
A survey conducted by PFA and the analysis firm EPSI shows that 76 per cent of Danish companies view an active senior strategy as part of the solution to the labour shortage. At the same time, 60 per cent of companies expect the number of employees transitioning gradually into retirement to increase.
The transition from working life to retirement is indeed changing. Many seniors no longer want a sudden end to their careers but prefer a gradual withdrawal with flexible working hours or partial retirement.
“We see a clear trend where more seniors are choosing to combine work and retirement. This is a development we need to support. For instance, by creating opportunities for reduced working hours or adjusted job roles that meet both the needs of the individual and the company’s operations. It’s about ensuring that seniors thrive and can continue contributing to the workforce,” explains Ole Krogh Petersen.
A shared responsibility
With “The Senior Pledge,” PFA and the five other companies aim to inspire others to recognise seniors as a vital resource.
“It is crucial that we as a society and as businesses value the experience and skills of seniors. If we succeed in keeping more seniors in the workforce, we can retain valuable knowledge and expertise that contribute to growth, innovation and well-being – to the benefit of us all,” says Ole Krogh Petersen.
If you would like to learn more about The Senior Pledge, please contact PFA’s Head of Welfare and Senior Affairs, Jesper Brask Fischer, at jbf@pfa.dk