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Shortage of skilled workers/ Do employers benefit from older workers?

Politiko 2024-07-16 10:59:46

Germany lacks qualified forces. Politicians and experts want to attract as many retirees as possible back into the world of work, if they were willing. Is this a two-sided victory?

There has been talk in Germany for a long time about how to bring the golden age back into the world of work, if retirees so wish. The employment of pensioners is seen as a win-win for politics and the economy. But what are the motives that encourage a pensioner to work, and how do employers benefit from this? The economic psychologist expert, Jürgen Deller, who has been dedicated to the topic of golden age employment for 15 years, says that there are a number of reasons for this.

"Work is very important for many people, where they understand that they can influence and change something. The evaluation of others is also an important factor. In addition, in the workplace you also have social contacts." At retirement age, many people are lonely, especially when they do not have a partner or nephews and nieces. On the other hand, work structures the day, and is a motivation to get up in the morning, says the expert.

On the other hand, we should not forget the financial reasons that encourage people of retirement age to work. The German Minister of Economy, Robert Habeck, will give even more impulses to pensioners to work. His idea is that instead of requiring people to work longer, financial incentives should be created for working retirees. "For example the employer's contribution to unemployment and pension can be given as an additional honorarium," Habeck said in an interview with RTL television in March 2024. Employed pensioners no longer have to pay pension contributions. Habeck points out.

According to expert Deller, money plays a role for retirees, but it is not decisive, because they live in a country with a very good social system. "Most people who want to work in retirement are well-educated. Poverty is not a central motivating factor for them, but there are also retirees who want to work to supplement their income for extra expenses."

Advantages for employers

Retirees as a new contingent on standby for the economy in times of lack of skilled labor? But how could employers benefit from this development? For expert Jürgen Deller, employers have several advantages from such employment. "Older employees have experienced many, such as restructuring, many challenges at work. Often they are more patient and calm compared to new employers. In addition, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. If you know how to keep this know-how in this company also benefits young people."

The engagement of retired employees can therefore serve to alleviate the lack of labor force, if their capacity is properly utilized. But how can employers attract retirees who worked a lifetime and enjoy that moment of retirement?

Expert Jürgen Deller, who works on a research project on golden age employment that spans 23 countries, points out that they have developed a guide index for employers. "It is important that enterprises create a climate that values the presence of older employees. For this, a friendly organization of the work environment and management is needed. It is also important to have flexible working hours, where possible. We must it is taken into account that the workplace adapts to people who have less physical strength."

According to expert Deller, employers should hold talks with their employees early, one or two years before retirement. They can ask employees about post-retirement plans because there are plenty of employees who want to stay connected to their jobs. But very few want to work full-time, and this is where suitable work patterns for the time after retirement must be found. From the policy, the expert asks to create the certain legal framework, for example, that work in retirement is not taxed. If this happens, then the tendency for "silver workers" to work further will strengthen even more, he says./ DW