Continuing to work after retirement? An innovative employment model for retirees

For more than 10 years, there has been a growing desire among retirees to continue working actively after retirement. This led to the development of the Doorwerkregeling, an innovative employment model that allows retirees to continue working flexibly and voluntarily, while enjoying their retirement at the same time. And the best part? It helps not only the retirees themselves, but also employers and society as a whole.

A pioneering model

The Doorwerkregeling is more than a working model; it is a solution that bridges the gap between retirees' desire to continue working and the obstacles imposed on them by labor laws. An opt-in system allows retirees to work on their own terms by agreement with their employer, without being locked into regular employment. Employers benefit from the experience of older workers without the administrative and legal obligations of a traditional contract.

What makes this arrangement unique is its flexibility. Pass-through employees decide how, when, how much and in what role they work. For employers, this means access to a pool of skilled workers who are difficult to replace, especially in sectors such as engineering and the energy transition, where experience is invaluable.

Nominated for the Innovation Excellence Award

The Throughwork scheme was recently nominated for the 2024 Innovation Excellence Award, recognizing the value this model brings. Not only does it help retirees make meaningful use of their time, it also helps reduce pressure on the labor market.

The Doorwerk scheme has now proven itself in various organizations, such as in energy transition, construction, public transport, retail, healthcare and many other industries, where retirees play an important role in alleviating labor market tightness. And the success is measurable: Doorwerkgever, the scheme's implementing agency, achieved growth of as much as 30% in 2022 and 2023. This sends a clear message about how well this scheme is working in practice and how companies are embracing it.

Doorwerkgever is a forerunner in the market of flexible continued employment after retirement. This is reflected in the fact that its Doorwerkregeling, in cooperation with the tax authorities, has been laid down in a covenant. This gives users, Employers as well as retirees, maximum security.

What the future holds

The Doorwerkregeling is only the beginning. Not only does it offer retirees the chance to actively contribute to the labor market, but it also contributes to a more flexible, inclusive labor market for all. The idea of “continuing to work after retirement” is taking shape and the Doorwerkregeling is proving to be a win-win for both retirees and the companies that can leverage their expertise. It is a model that will continue to change the future of working in the Netherlands, and perhaps beyond.

Want to know more about this? Then watch the video pitch below.