5th Initiative (2004 - 2006)
The project was headed by the Austrian NCO Oberösterreichische Gebietskrankenkasse.
Demographic developments are posing new challenges for enterprises and the social security systems in Europe. The total working age population in the European Union is due to fall by 20.8 million between 2005 and 2030. Over the next few decades there will be a marked increase in the proportion of elderly people in employment and the proportion of younger employees will decrease significantly due to continuing low birth rates.
At present, employees over 45 years of age are often perceived as being to old for a job, but this age group will very soon represent the major part of the workforce. In future, enterprises in Europe will depend more than ever on having qualified, motivated and in particular healthy employees. And if the social security systems are to continue functioning economically, employees will have to continue working longer in gainful employment.
During the 5th Initiative, the ENWHP therefore focussed on strategies that enable employees to remain longer in gainful employment. They were categorised and published according to countries and instruments.
The project pursued the following objectives:
Results of the project were published and discussed in June 2006 at the 5th European Conference in Linz: