Strategies for improved work longevity from an employer- and employee perspective

This program breaks new ground by applying a multidimensional perspective on the determinants of work longevity in Sweden.

One of the most topical concerns of ageing societies is how to facilitate the realization of a sustainable, long and healthy working life.

But little is still known about how to tailor work to better meet the needs of more than already privileged groups of employees, as is knowledge concerning the complex and life-long processes through which individual work life trajectories are formed.

By assembling a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, we propose a research agenda that enables explorations of the complex interactions between welfare state provisions, labour market push factors, organizational work adjustments and employees’ motivation and health.

By utilizing survey-, register and life course data, as well as interview and observational data the research program is organised around three key research questions.

How do life course experiences (employment trajectories and exposure to various work conditions) affect possibilities for improved work longevity?

To what extent do Swedish employers utilize measures to facilitate, stimulate and motivate employees to work longevity?With a special focus on physically and cognitively demanding jobs, how can individual and workplace-oriented adjustments, strategies and interventions enhance work longevity?

By setting up a collaborative network consisting of researchers and stakeholders outside of academia (e.g., representatives from public and private organisations, unions and NGOs), the program will establish a forum for dialogue, learning and solutions to real-time problems.

The network is a key to craft synergies within the program, grasp the complexity of prolonged working lives and ensure direct contributions to practice.

By doing so, our research will contribute with new insights of how we can facilitate a more sustainable and long working life.