Challenge

As workforces became increasingly age-diverse, organisations needed new ways to support employees at different stages of their careers. Traditional working arrangements did not always reflect the changing needs, abilities and experience of older workers. The ways in which flexible and individualised working conditions could help employees remain active, productive and engaged for longer remained undiscovered.

Solutions

The German sub-project developed alternative working arrangements for three major employers: SAP, Deutsche Bank and the insurance group Continentale. Selected concepts were introduced through workplace pilots and evaluated throughout their implementation. Employees’ representatives and works councils were closely involved in all three organisations. The participatory approach helped ensure that the proposed arrangements considered both organisational requirements and employees’ interests.

Results

The project produced and piloted practical concepts for managing an age-diverse workforce. By testing the approaches in three different industries, such as technology, banking and insurance, it generated experience that could support other employers in designing more inclusive and adaptable workplaces.

The project also demonstrated the value of involving works councils and employees in organisational change. Its broader intended impact was to promote active ageing, extend employees’ participation in working life and improve organisations’ ability to respond to demographic change.