Seniors face many barriers on the labor market and are discriminated against because of their age, but on the other hand, employers and the state are aware that employees with extensive experience are needed to „patch” the demographic gap.

Over the last few years, the employment rate of people aged 65-74 has been growing year by year. However, this is happening very slowly. The employment rate of seniors is still lower than the EU average, which was 10% in 2022, according to Eurostat data.

In Poland in 2022, only 8.9 percent. people in the 65-74 age group were employed.

For example, in Estonia it was 28 percent, in Sweden 19.2 percent, and in the Czech Republic 10.5 percent.

Seniors are needed because there is a shortage of people on the labor market in certain industries. Young employees do not always want to do a given type of work, and even if they want to, they need qualified and experienced (including life experience) people who will implement them in the work environment.

Another problem is that the population is aging. Therefore, every „work force” that will work for future generations is necessary.

The government in recent years and currently has expanded its offer for seniors to increase the employment rate in this age group. Created:

• Active Plus Program. Under this program for the years 2021-2025, non-governmental organizations and institutions conducting public benefit activities may apply for co-financing of public tasks in the amount of PLN 25,000 up to PLN 250,000.

The government indicates 4 priorities of the Programme:

• Social activity includes activities aimed at increasing the participation of older people in active forms of spending free time, supporting dependent elderly people and their environment in the place of residence, developing volunteering of older people in the local environment and increasing the involvement of older people in the labor market.
• Social participation contributes to strengthening the self-organization of the elderly community and increasing the influence of older people on decisions regarding the living conditions of citizens.
• Digital inclusion, including actions to increase the ability to use modern technologies and new media by older people, as well as the dissemination and implementation of technological solutions conducive to social inclusion and safe functioning of older people.
• Preparation for old age implemented by strengthening lasting intergenerational relations, shaping a positive image of the elderly and increasing the safety of seniors.

• Support Senior Program;
• Senior Plus;
• Care 75+ program.

Source:https://kadry.infor.pl/employment/5770437,senior-na-rynku-pracy.html

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.