Experience after 55 – an untapped resource in Swedish working life

Sweden ranks the lowest in the Nordics when it comes to hiring people over 55 years old

Yet, despite older workers having valuable experience and skills that can make a big difference. Many still face barriers when looking for work. This is known as ageism, when someone is treated unfairly because of their age. As a result, a lot of talent and knowledge goes to waste.

The impact of ageism on the labor market

• 97% of people over 60 who find it difficult to get a new job believe that age is the biggest obstacle.

• Sweden loses SEK 11 billion annually in potential growth because older workers leave the workforce prematurely.

• Employment among 65–74-year-olds has doubled over the past 20 years, showing that many older people both want to and can continue working.

Why older employees are an asset

• Deep competence: Decades of experience provide a unique ability to handle complex situations and make well-informed decisions.

• Stability: Older employees often contribute calmness and continuity to the organization.

• Mentorship: They can serve as mentors for younger colleagues, promoting knowledge transfer and professional development.

• Diversity: An age-diverse workforce fosters innovation and reflects the demographic composition of society.

Measures to counteract ageism

• Awareness: Educate managers and HR staff about the consequences of ageism and the importance of age diversity.

• Inclusive recruitment processes: Ensure that job ads and selection procedures do not discriminate based on age.

• Flexible working conditions: Offer opportunities for part-time work or flexible hours to make it easier for older employees to remain in the workforce.

• Lifelong learning: Encourage and support skills development regardless of age.

An age-inclusive workplace pays off in the long run

By actively counteracting ageism and creating an inclusive work environment, companies ensure that every employee’s experience and competence are used strategically – which can boost innovation, strengthen problem-solving capacity, and build a more resilient and sustainable organization.