Marianna, aged 62, found herself unexpectedly unemployed when her workplace went bankrupt. She had been with the company for 8 years and was suddenly and unexpectedly at a crossroads. Should she now re-enter the job market or retire? What opportunities were out there? The market had changed a lot in the last 8 years.
Marianna came into contact with NøkkelPersonell shortly after the downsizing. We thought she had an interesting background in property and a technical college education. We therefore wanted her in our database. After a while, NøkkelPersonell received a request from IVAR. They wished to fill a role due to sick leave, and were looking for specific expertise. We immediately contacted Marianna, whom we felt could fit the role, and presented the position to her. She explains that being asked in that way, triggered her desire to jump into it. She felt it was exciting that NøkkelPersonell «saw» the relevance of her competence and experience for other industries.
After a short time, Marianna was called in for an interview with IVAR, an inter-municipal company responsible for water, sewage, and waste management in Rogaland. During the interview, she was honest about not having prior experience in the industry. She emphasised that she was nevertheless motivated and eager to learn. It turned out to be a good match, and Marianna ended up getting the job.
Marianna admits that she hadn't considered that her experiences could be used in another industry or field. This wasn't a position she had thought she was qualified for. Marianna is now 64 years old, has worked as a consultant at NøkkelPersonell for just over a year, and has now been offered a permanent position at IVAR.
According to Statistics Norway (SSB), there are fewer unemployed people in the 55-66 age group today than before. Nevertheless, the figures show that if people close to retirement age lose their jobs, it takes significantly longer for them to return to work compared to younger age groups. SSB points out in particular that many in the 62-66 age group tend to give up their job search within two years. As a result, many choose to retire or receive health-related benefits instead. Only one in three unemployed in this age group returned to work within two years, and over half of those aged 62-66 left the workforce during the same period. In comparison, over half of the unemployed under 55 returned to work within two years. (Fedoryshyn, 2019)
Why should companies invest in good resources and skilled labour regardless of age? We believe that everyone should be viewed as individuals who acquire unique expertise. We are proud to be able to help find the right person for the right position. Recruitment agencies have the ability and insight to see people and their qualities, irrespective of age, gender, and background. We believe it is important to further recognise the value of recruitment agencies for the development and growth of the labour market. Those who want to work should be allowed to work, and not be forced into involuntary retirement. Marianna has far too much energy and too much more to give to be retiring so early.
It is fantastic to see companies like IVAR sharing our perspectives. Wasting good working capacity is like letting clean water run from the tap; valuable resources are washed down the drain. This is neither sustainable for the economy nor for an individual's overall quality of life.
Sources
Fedoryshyn, N. (2019, 27 August). Unemployment lasts longer for those near retirement age. Statistics Norway. https://www.ssb.no/arbeid-og-lonn/artikler-ogpublikasjoner/arbeidsledigheten-varer-lenger-for-dem-naer-pensjonsalder