International conference on sustainable employability

The International conference on sustainable employability will take place in Brussels over three days: 14, 15, 16 September 2016 in Square Brussels Meeting Centre.

Theme and objectives

People have to work increasingly longer because of economic and demographic changes. This reality has led several countries to raise the retirement age. Yet, a policy of letting people work longer can only work if their employability is maintained sustainable throughout their entire career. Organisations will thus inevitably have to deal with the challenge of maintaining their people’s employability over time. Human Resources and Occupational Health must be the primary drivers of this sustainable employability. It is therefore important that both fields interact with each other as well as with their respective academic communities.

Bringing science and practical know-how of both areas together should facilitate the translation of scientific knowledge into practice and the transfer of the needs of the practitioners to the scientific community.

Conference topics include, among others:

• (Socio-)demographic analysis, including age and/or generational analysis

• Cross-generational collaboration and diversity management

• Mobility issues, including international mobility

• New forms of work organisation, including working time arrangements and spatio-temporal flexibility

• Prevention of and managing workers with chronic musculoskeletal disorders or metal disorders

• Psychosocial and organisational factors at work

• Sickness absence and return to work

• Work ability throughout the life course, including active ageing policies.

Eurofound contribution

Greet Vermeylen, Senior programme manager - Working conditions and Industrial relations unit, will give a keynote speech on 'Sustainable work over the life course in the European Union: a multi-actor approach', as well as chair the ensuing oral Session on 'Sustainability at work', on Friday 16 September (9:45 - 10:45).

Detailed information on the programme and speakers is available on the event website.