Measures of employment for senior workers
The DC NOISE partner in Norway (Knutepunkt Sørlandet/Vennesla municipality) works on several measures to stimulate senior workers to continue in their jobs. Some measures are described below.
Introduction
The main aim of the senior policy project in Vennesla municipality has been to
- Stimulate workers between 62 and 65 years not to retire with a contractual pension
- Keep experienced labour
- Retain important knowledge
- Develop a system for transfer of knowledge
Measures for further considerations
Based on a survey in the municipalities, these measures will be considered for further evaluation:
Wage evaluation
A general wage increase is already introduced for workers past 62 years of age. A possible adjustment of the yearly amount will be considered as an individual measure.
Extra holidays
Some other municipalities has given senior employees an extra holiday (1 to 2 weeks). Based on preliminary calculations the introduction of 1 week will cost around NOK 75.000 (equals 9.000 €). This measures must eventually be considered in relation to reduced working hours, giving the workers a freedom of choice. This measure will be considered on an individual basis.
Reduced working hours
Reduced working hours with full pay is introduced to some workers on an individual basis. This must be seen in relation to extra holidays.
Work arrangement
Some workers experience the work sometimes as a heavy burden. A more physically easy job would increase their motivation to work longer. This measure will mean a rise in cost for the unit involved and will be considered on an individual basis.
Mentor arrangement for newly employed
A lot of senior workers possess a great deal of knowledge in their field that may be transferred to others, for instance newly employed. The municipality has established a subproject aiming at developing a mentor arrangement. A mentor in this context can be defined as an advisor or a friend giving a new employee a flexible introduction to the work and making her or him feel appreciated and taken care of.
By introducing this arrangement the municipality demonstrate trust and confidence in the senior workers and their competence. The task being voluntary will hopefully give them an extra motivation in their work.
Maintenance and development of competence
A subproject will be established to develop this measure further.
Brochure (note: the brochure is written in norwegian)
Contact:
Torfinn Steinsland or Heidi Engesløl
Pilot project leader
Vennesla municipality
+47 38 13 72 61 or +47 38 13 72 16
torfinn.steinsland@vennesla.kommune.no or heidi.engestol@vennesla.kommune.no
