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The pension reform is now crystallizing numerous tensions in the public debate. Despite a massive wave of protest, the use of the government's 49.3 makes it very likely that it will be adopted, and therefore the retirement age will be reduced from 62 to 64.
This debate raises the thorny issue of the employment of seniors. In Europe, France is a poor performer with a rate of 56%, compared to 72% in Germany or 77% in Sweden for example (OECD). The reasons for these differences are multiple: lack of training, reluctance on the part of employers, health status and mismatches between resources and salary expectations.
Thus, the solutions to be imagined are numerous for the employability of seniors, and the means implemented must be varied according to the profiles. As such, work flexibility - and the breadth of what this expression can cover - offers interesting opportunities, both for seniors and for companies, to offer adapted and evolving working conditions.
Flexibility improves working conditions, and therefore employability
One study conducted as early as 2013 by French researchers suggests that better working conditions, including increased flexibility, could be a solution to reduce the difficulty of working for seniors. Indeed, senior employees with flexible jobs have fewer work-related health problems than those who work in more “rigid” jobs. We have listed the main options available to employers in this area today.
Flexible working hours improve the quality of life at work
La flexibility schedules allows a better reconciliation between professional and private life, This is especially important for seniors. By offering them the opportunity to work schedules that are more suited to their needs, they can better manage their time and work. It also allows them to continue working longer while maintaining their quality of life and health.
It is therefore essential for companies to take into account the advantages of flexibility at work for seniors. This solution could not only improve their quality of life at work, but also their health and well-being, thus increasing their employability.
Is the 4-day week a lever for improving the well-being of senior employees?
La 4-day work week is a solution that could also contribute to improving the health of seniors at work. Indeed, working fewer days a week allows seniors to recover better physically and mentally, which reduces their stress and fatigue., and thus decreases the risks of work-related illnesses, which increase with age.
In addition, this system would provide seniors with more time to participate in leisure activities, spend time with family and friends, and engage in volunteer activities. All of these activities can contribute to their overall well-being and mental health.
Finally, the 4-day work week could improve the productivity and motivation of older workers. By working fewer days, they can be more focused and effective during workdays, knowing that they have more time to rest and recover.
Teleworking to improve the quality of life at work
Teleworking is an attractive option for seniors looking to continue working, while maintaining their health and well-being. By working from home, they can avoid tiring and stressful trips, which can reduce their fatigue and stress levels. In addition, teleworking offers them greater flexibility in managing their working time, which can allow them to better reconcile professional and private life.
Teleworking can also help seniors to remain competitive on the labor market by offering them a better quality of life and by opening up their fields of possibilities. Indeed, with teleworking and hybrid working, it is much easier to work for an employer who is located farther from home, provided you do not have to go there every day. By working from home, seniors can work in a comfortable and quiet environment without the distractions and interruptions of the office. This can allow them to focus better on their work and to be rested and therefore productive.
Finally, teleworking can also contribute to the retention of senior workers in the company by limiting trips that are often long and difficult. By offering this flexible work option, businesses can keep experienced and qualified workers who can bring great added value to the business. It can also reduce the costs of recruiting and training new employees, which can be beneficial to the business in the long run.
Part-time, a “gradual” retirement?
Part-time work can also be a path for seniors looking to work while reducing their workload. By working fewer hours per week, they can better manage their time and energy, which can reduce stress and fatigue levels. By working fewer hours, they can extend their careers while maintaining their quality of life and gradually getting used to this new stage in their career. It can also keep them engaged and motivated at work, knowing that they have more time to rest and recharge outside of work.
Finally, part-time work can offer seniors work opportunities that are more flexible and adapted to their needs. By working part-time, they can choose schedules that work for them, which can allow them to work at times that are more conducive to their health and well-being. It can also offer them the opportunity to work in jobs that are more suited to their skills and experience, which can be beneficial for their professional development and for the collaborators around them.
In summary, the various forms of flexibility at work offer numerous opportunities to improve the quality of working life of seniors and their employability. The 4-day work week, teleworking or part-time work, can offer seniors greater flexibility in managing their working time, which can help them better reconcile professional and private life, while maintaining their health and well-being.
Companies that choose to experiment with these approaches are not only working for a social issue, but also open up to talent pools that are currently underestimated.
To find out more about how m-work supports and equips this flexibility by maximizing employee satisfaction and saving time, Let's meet !
