News item | 07-09-2023 | 13:54
As many as one in ten employees in the Netherlands is 60 or older and will retire within the next seven years. As a result, the Netherlands is losing a valuable group of employees in a very tight labor market. And although everyone can enjoy retirement after a long career, there are also employees who do not want to stop at all. To encourage employers to enter into a discussion about continuing to work after the state pension, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is launching information today under the heading ‘Some employees are unstoppable’.
Out research shows that 4 out of 10 AOW pensioners want to return to paid work. For employers who look beyond the state pension age, a group of 200,000 experienced employees is available who would like to work part-time. In this tight labor market, it is therefore important to discuss working longer with motivated employees. In this way, companies retain knowledge and experience. And they may have to recruit fewer new employees. There are also other benefits. For example, the employer’s costs are lower and the obligations for continued payment in the event of illness are less onerous.
Minister Van Gennip: “We need everyone in this tight labor market. Employees who want to continue working after the state pension are therefore extremely valuable. They offer work and life experience to companies and still contribute to society. It is a win-win situation. That is why I call on organizations to talk to employees who want to work after their state pension.”
Reaching state pension age is a milestone for many people. Also for Tineke de Graaf. Nevertheless, she is happy that she can continue working as coordinator of the Ambion Academy for more than a year at Ambion, a partnership of 24 public primary schools. Tineke: “When you work from the age of thirteen, it is quite strange to suddenly come to a standstill. I’ve always been busy, so sitting still doesn’t suit me.”
Some employees are unstoppable
Reaching the state pension age does not immediately mean that employees would no longer want to continue working. With ‘Some employees are unstoppable’, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment encourages employers with tips and inspiration to talk to colleagues who are approaching retirement age.
“A tip I want to give employers? Dare to start the conversation. This applies to both employers and employees,” says Githa van Vilsteren, director at the De Wilmersberg estate in De Lutte. “Many employers are open to it if you want to continue working after your retirement. I’m convinced of that.”
Knowing more?
Check out rijksoverheid.nl/aow or entrepreneursplein.nl for employers. In addition, employers can toolkit find inspiring materials to start a conversation with their employees about continuing to work after the state pension age.