Arbeid60

Arbeid60 is a term used in Dutch-language discourse to describe a set of policies and practices intended to sustain participation in the labor market for people around the age of 60. The concept emphasizes flexible work arrangements, gradual retirement, and opportunities for retraining, with the aim of supporting longer and more resilient career trajectories while balancing income security and pension arrangements.

Origins and usage: The phrase emerged in policy discussions in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other Dutch-speaking communities as debates about pension ages and labor shortages intensified in the 2010s and 2020s. It is not a formal government program but a label used by researchers, employers, and media to refer to a family of approaches rather than a single package.

Elements: Typical elements associated with arbeid60 include part-time or job-sharing options, phased retirement allowing a gradual reduction in hours, wage subsidies or incentives for employers to retain older workers, access to upskilling and retraining, career planning services, and clear pathways from full-time work to retirement. Some implementations may combine wage support with guarantees of flexible schedules.

Impact and considerations: Proponents argue that arbeid60 can help reduce poverty risk in older age, improve workers’ quality of life, and alleviate labor market pressures. Critics warn of potential inequities in access, risk of discrimination, and the challenge of funding longer working lives in aging populations. See also: phased retirement, flexible retirement, older workers, retirement policy.