Egon Oldenburg defies retirement norms at Boxit in Hjørring, Denmark

Seventy-six-year-old Egon Oldenburg could have retired long ago, but he continues to work part-time at Boxit in Hjørring. “It’s the passion that drives me,” he says, noting that he’s not the oldest employee there; two colleagues are aged 71 and 79. Together, they share the six workdays of the week, allowing Oldenburg time for two days of golf.

“When I was in my sixties, everyone talked about retiring, and I tried it for six months, but it didn’t work. I missed having something to get up for in the morning,” he explains.

Several companies are increasingly advocating for reduced hours, flexible tasks, continued education, and remote work options to retain older employees, particularly those who are nearing retirement age but find it challenging to continue in their current roles.

A recent study from Aalborg University examined 1,787 workplaces across various sectors. In 2018, 39 percent of workplaces reported offering reduced hours for seniors, a figure that rose to 57 percent by 2022. Additionally, the availability of functional flexibility for seniors increased from 31 percent in 2018 to 42 percent in 2022. Flexible working hours, task adjustments, and recognition of older employees are highlighted as key factors in keeping seniors in the workforce.

Jeevitha Yogachandiran Qvist, a lecturer at Aalborg University, notes that despite improvements in workplace flexibility, more seniors are retiring early, which pressures an already tight labor market. “It would be a significant problem for society if we lose many seniors due to a lack of flexibility,” she warns.

Oldenburg plans to keep working well into the future. He refers to his work schedule as an “old man’s arrangement” but intends to continue until he is at least 85. He has told young job seekers at Boxit that there is currently no room for them but to keep an eye on obituaries.