RETAIN

As Malta deals with a declining birth rate and rising life expectancy, it faces the pressing challenge of an ageing population and, consequently, an ageing workforce. Without timely and strategic intervention, this demographic shift is widely expected by economists and policymakers to negatively impact the economy.

It is essential to incentivise older individuals to remain in the workforce beyond traditional retirement age. Not only does this support economic resilience, but evidence also shows that companies with a higher proportion of experienced employees (aged 55+) often achieve stronger client retention and improved risk management outcomes.

However, promoting prolonged employment must go hand in hand with understanding its wider implications. We must consider the evolving needs and wellbeing of older workers, the incentives and support structures required by employers, and the systemic barriers that currently hinder progress.

This project aims to address these interconnected needs:

Older workers require support in navigating the transition to extended employment, ensuring their physical, social, and financial wellbeing.
Employers, in turn, need practical guidance on how to integrate, plan for, and manage an ageing workforce effectively.
More broadly, society must foster a culture of respect for age diversity and strengthen intergenerational solidarity, recognising the value and potential of all age groups in shaping a resilient and inclusive future.

Primarily, this project undertakes research amongst older workers and employers, determining their needs and concerns, resulting in the development of Guide for Employers, supporting them in preparing, managing and integrating an older workforce effectively, and a Policy Recommendations document, detailing potential Government support.

Furthermore, this project will develop and pilot four training Programmes targeting older workers and employers, supporting their transition, upskilling, integration and management. Lastly, this project will undertake various national awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes, strengthen intergenerational solidarity and encourage both personal and structural adaptation.

Project Objectives:

To undertake primary research amongst older workers and employers determining their specific needs, concerns and capacities.
To undertake a national survey determining the demographics of an ageing workforce in Malta.
To develop and pilot 2 training programmes for the upskilling and re-skilling of older workers.
To develop and pilot 1 training programme and develop a Guide on preparing for, managing and integrating an older workforce.
To develop and pilot 1 training programme targeting all employers and employees, tackling the issue of ageism at the workplace.
To implement an Awareness Raising Campaign on a national level to promote challenging stereotypes on ageism, highlighting the value of older workers and encourage both personal and structural adaptation.
To develop a Policy Recommendations document based on the research conducted and insights gathered.