Age should not decide who gets to stay in the workforce. Working conditions and opportunities should enable people to continue contributing throughout their careers. On 6–7 October 2026, partners in the Solutions for Age-Friendly Employer (SAFE) project gathered at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki to exchange knowledge on longer working lives and prepare for the project’s final phase.

The meeting brought together discussions on recruitment, work ability and sustainable careers with SAFE’s work to support employees aged 55 and over in health and social care.

Connecting research with working-life experience

On the first day, SAFE partners attended the “Better Working Life Seminar – Working Life Now and in the Future”. Speakers from employment services, government, education, business and occupational insurance shared perspectives on supporting longer working careers.

Contributors included Katja Rajaniemi from Helsinki Employment Services; Antti Harjuoja from Saranen Consulting; Elina Pylkkänen from Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment; Petri Männistö from Jollas Institute; Harri Jaskari from the Federation of Finnish Enterprises; Kari-Pekka Martimo from Ilmarinen; and Hannu Rusama from the City of Vantaa.

A panel discussion moderated by Tiina Merikanto explored how municipalities and companies can work together to build sustainable working careers.

Seven areas that support longer working lives

The afternoon workshop connected the seminar discussions with SAFE’s earlier findings from research literature and focus group interviews in Estonia and Finland. Seven areas identified through this work also emerged in the day’s presentations as important for people’s ability and willingness to remain in employment:

• Work community
• Training and learning
• Flexibility
• Health and well-being
• Equality and fairness
• Retirement
• Management processes

The discussions reinforced the relevance of these areas for SAFE’s work with health and social care employers. Together, they provide a framework for considering how workplaces can support employees aged 55 and over while strengthening cooperation between generations.

Preparing the SAFE tool for continued use

The second day focused on preparations for the project’s final period. Partners discussed the final testing of the SAFE tool, feedback collection, joint communication and dissemination.

They also considered how the project’s results could remain useful after the project ends. This includes helping employers apply what has been learned to the everyday organisation of work and the support available to employees at different stages of their careers.

Thank you to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences for hosting the meeting, and to the speakers, workshop participants and SAFE partners for sharing their knowledge and experience.

About SAFE

SAFE – Solutions for Age-Friendly Employer supports age-friendly working conditions for employees aged 55 and over in health and social care. Running from April 2024 to March 2027, the project brings together Haapsalu College, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Kuldne Liiga and NDPHS.

Visit project website

The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund through Interreg Central Baltic 2021-2027