Situation of people over 50 on the labour market and activities of enterprises in the field of protecting their health

Abstract

Introduction Changes that have taken place in recent years on the labour market, including, above all, the migration of young and educated people to other European countries in search of employment, the aging of society, as well as an increase in the average life expectancy, have contributed to the growing interest of employers in people over 50. Objective The authors of the publication analysed the situation of people over 50 on the labour market, together with the activities of enterprises in the field of protecting their health, based on reports from literature. Brief description of the state of knowledge Demographic projections show that persons aged over 50 are increasingly active and fully-fledged participants of the labour market. Reasons which incline people belonging to the generation 50+ to work are primarily to provide a source of income, meet psychosocial needs, achieve and maintain social and professional status. Numerous studies demonstrate that employees aged over 50 have extensive professional experience, opportunities to focus on work, and predispositions in terms of better understanding of the ageing customer population. It should be emphasized that employee health is an important capital of a company, which significantly affects the company's development potential, image and productivity. Many enterprises in Poland and worldwide implement health programmes aimed at improving and maintaining the health of their employees. Conclusions According to employers, politicians and specialists, people over 50 represent a significant potential on the labour market. That is why employers, social organizations and the government should undertake the widest possible and varied actions that would allow persons aged over 50 to continue their professional activity.

Keywords

• professional activity
• employment
• health protection
• labour market
• people aged 50+