Working conditions of an ageing workforce

The issue of Europe's ageing population is a central priority for policymakers in the EU, both in terms of the sustainability of pension systems and the future of Europe's labour supply, which impact in turn on economic growth. The report looks at ways in which the quality of work and employment can be promoted, in order to encourage workers to remain in the labour market for a longer time and thus achieve the Lisbon and Stockholm employment targets across Europe by 2010. The analysis is based on findings from the fourth European Working Conditions Survey carried out in 31 countries, including the 27 EU Member States. The report highlights four factors which are key to shaping the age structure of Europe's workforce: ensuring career and employment security; maintaining and promoting the health and well-being of workers; developing skills and competencies; and reconciling working and non-working life. The findings show that improving working conditions leads to better job sustainability over the lifecycle, which in turn can prevent early exit from the labour market and encourage stronger participation rates among older workers.