On September 25th, a collaboration meeting was held at the NDPHS Secretariat office with SAFE project partners. We have begun working on composing solutions for age-friendly organizations, which is led by the Metropolia University team in Finland. Although we have conducted many joint online meetings with partners, this time we met in person to ensure a shared understanding of how to carry out the workshops and to gather input for the self-assessment tool.

The goal of the SAFE project is to develop a toolkit that enables organizations to better understand the significance of age-inclusive human resources policies and reduces age discrimination within workplaces. By involving companies already in the development phase, we ensure that the solutions we create are not just theoretical but are directly shaped by the needs and expectations of both employees and employers. This approach allows us to create more supportive work environments for people at different stages of their careers, ultimately contributing to healthier organizations and more satisfied employees.

The Metropolia University team shared insights from their meetings with organizations, and the partners agreed that it is crucial to conduct these workshops in a consistent manner so that we can compare the results systematically. The organizations involved in the development process are Nurmilintu, Ylähovi, the Veteraanitalo Foundation, and HoivaNova. Additionally, Tallinn University Haapsalu College has entered into a cooperation agreement with Synlab (Estonia) and the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, where they will conduct workshops during October and November.

All partners have started working on a current state analysis of age-friendly working life in their respective countries. These valuable workshops and analytical overviews will provide key indicators for the organizational self-assessment tool. The main goal for the second phase of the project will be the creation of the self-assessment tool and its piloting.

The “Solutions for Age-Friendly Employer (SAFE)” project joins four partners from Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. The cooperation aims to strengthen and improve employment opportunities for senior workers aged 55+ specifically focusing on the health and wellness sectors. The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund through Interreg Central Baltic 2021-2027.