Occupations and ageing at work. An analysis of the findings of the fifth European Working Conditions Survey

This working paper analyzes the data collected by the fifth European Working Conditions Survey done in 2010 to examine how working conditions are changing for different ages and occupation types. It brings insights into the quality of work and employment amongst ageing workers that help to inform the debate on how “sustainable” work is according to one’s age and occupation.

The authors conclude that the wide range of situations and challenges faced by different occupations demand extreme caution as regards policies to extend working life for all older workers without distinction. This diversity must be factored into the arrangements made to deliver European policy goals of increasing the employment rates of older workers and raising the actual age of retirement.

Moreover, the responsibility for improving working and employment conditions in the final career years also falls to employers and calls for innovative human resources management practices.