08/10/2026
Age should not decide who gets to stay in the workforce. Working conditions and opportunities should enable people to keep contributing.
On 6-7 October 2026, the Solutions for Age-Friendly Employer (SAFE) project team Marika Aedviir, Heini Maisala, Liisa Nuutinen, Peep Peterson, Tiina Alasoo, Krista Mulenok, Pille Strauss and Ulla-Karin Nurm gathered at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in beautiful Helsinki dressed in autumn colours 🇫🇮🍂 to exchange perspectives and prepare for the project’s next steps.
On the first day, the team attended the "Better Working Life Seminar - Working Life Now and in the Future" with the she speakers and panellists with expertise on recruitment, work ability and supporting longer working careers:
→ Katja Rajaniemi Head of Unit, Helsinki Employment Services
→ Antti Harjuoja, Director of Experienced Workforce Solutions, Saranen Consulting
→ Elina Pylkkänen, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland
→ Petri Männistö, Principal and Head of Competence Development, Jollas Institute
→ Harri Jaskari, Director, Federation of Finnish Enterprises
→ Kari-Pekka Martimo, Director of Work Ability Risk Forecasting and Research, Ilmarinen
→ Hannu Rusama, Programme Director, City of Vantaa
The panel discussion, moderated by Tiina Merikanto, considered how municipalities and companies can work together to build sustainable working careers.
The afternoon workshop reinforced SAFE’s earlier findings from research literature and focus group interviews in Estonia and Finland. The same seven areas emerged throughout the day’s presentations as important for people’s ability and willingness to stay in work:
🔹 Work community
🔹 Training and learning
🔹 Flexibility issues
🔹 Health and well-being
🔹 Equality and fairness
🔹 Retirement
🔹 Management processes
The discussions supported SAFE’s work to help health and social care employers create age-friendly workplaces that support employees aged 55 and over and strengthen cooperation between generations.
The second day’s partner meeting focused on preparations for the final project period. The agenda covered final testing of the SAFE tool, feedback collection, joint communication and dissemination and how the project’s results can remain useful after the project ends.
Read more about the project here: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/safe/
Thank you to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences for hosting the meeting, and to the speakers, workshop participants and SAFE partners for contributing their knowledge and experience.
