Abstract

Background: The article presents the results of evaluation of activities for older workers (50+) undertaken by Polish small, medium and large enterprises. Material and Methods: Data are derived from the questionnaire survey conducted on a nationwide sample of 200 small (9-49 employees), medium (50-249 employees) and large (> 250 employees) companies. Results: In the total number of persons employed in the surveyed companies there were 27% of older workers. Special programs aimed at employing people aged over 50 were implemented in only less than 10% of the enterprises. In less than 18% of the companies employees 50+ were offered training/courses/conferences, addressed specially to them. In only 7% of companies counseling on healthy lifestyle was provided. For the companies surveyed, the most important benefit of hiring workers 50+ was the transfer of knowledge to young workers (86%). Conclusion: Due to the low employment rate of employees over 50, it is necessary to implement the principles of age management in companies, especially in medium and large ones. It is alarming that only less than 7% of the enterprises provide counseling on health care. In terms of ability to work and extending working life, such activities should be conducted on a large scale among workers of all ages, with particular emphasis on the elderly. Med Pr 2012;63(4):453-462

Key words