Three stepping stones to the transition from a long working life

Get over the invisible gap in welfare in one piece, and get ready for senior life.

Not everyone finds it easy to say goodbye to colleagues and the daily experience of having made a difference today. Many experience - like another 'Paul alone in the world' - that the reality after the farewell reception does not every day match the rosy tale you enter, that now you have to "just enjoy your retirement". Some stepping stones are needed for the radical life change. Here are three that your workplace can put in place fairly easily.
 
A period for reflection for the 60+. Senior guidance and group discussions.
A senior conversation day where 60+ people get good input about the transition from the job and the opportunity to discuss their own ideas and be inspired in small conversation groups. To either continue at the job for a few more years or prepare for the transition from the job.
 
Dip your toe in the water before jumping from the cliff
Get an agreement for a smooth transition with fewer working hours and exploration of the new life phase. In a slightly cheekier version, you can apply for leave and try yourself by e.g. in an internship as a volunteer for a few free afternoons or as an entrepreneur or new education for 3-6 months on unemployment benefits and with an agreement that the job is still yours.
 
Re-enter as a substitute
Get a 'Substitute database' for seniors who quit. A golden vein for the workplace that comes unscathed through illness and extra busyness. And for the full-grown seniors who can revisit colleagues for a while, and relive the rush of using their talents and experience, and then just supplement their pension with extra salary.

*Article written by our Danish partner, Poul-Erik Tindbæk, from Enkarierre.