SAFE project team at the “Future Working Life – Experience, Competence and Technology” seminar

The Solutions for Age-Friendly Employers project representatives from Finland participated in the “Future Working Life – Experience, Competence and Technology” seminar, held on 1–2 September 2025, in Turku, Finland. The seminar was organised jointly by the Restart, Silver Grow, and SAFE projects and co-funded by the European Union. The event brought together professionals, employers, and participants aged 55+ and above to discuss the future of work in the face of technological advances and demographic shifts.

Project Manager Liisa Nuutinen and Senior Project Specialist Heini Maisala-McDonnell from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki delivered a presentation “Promoting Age-Friendliness in Working Life.” They introduced the initial version in the development phase of “The Tree of Age-Friendliness,” a gamified self-assessment tool co-created with workplaces to visualise and support organisational development towards more age-friendly and sustainable work communities.

In the digital tool, the growth and vitality of a tree symbolise different dimensions of age-friendliness:

• Roots work community & inclusion: fostering belonging and recognition.
• Trunk management processes: building a strong and stable framework for age-friendly practices.
• Height career development, retirement & re-employment: supporting long and flexible career paths.
• Branches’ flexibility: promoting adaptive work practices and responsive leadership.
• Leaves equality and fairness: ensuring a just and respectful workplace culture.
• Leaf colour health and well-being: maintaining energy and vitality for every age.
• Fruits training and learning: encouraging continuous professional growth.

As organisations perform better, the tree grows taller, stronger, and greener, making progress towards age-friendliness both visible and motivating. Soon, we will begin the piloting phase, and workplaces will start testing our tools.

The seminar offered inspiring perspectives on how experience, competence, and technology can jointly shape a more age-friendly and inclusive future of work for all. The SAFE team also extends heartfelt thanks to the beautiful city of Turku for its warm hospitality and inspiring surroundings, which provided a perfect backdrop for sharing ideas and building collaboration.