Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The retirement age in Belgium is to be increased to 66 in 2025. However, 8 in 10 workers believe they won’t reach that age at least, according to Securex. Cutting the employees aged 65 or less will affect, but it will first strike those who are above 55. Experts say workplace conditions have to be made better for older workers if their career has to be extended, and this will support a sustainable pension system.
Starting in 2025, Belgium will raise its legal retirement age from 65 to 66, but a recent study reveals that most workers doubt their ability to work until then. Research by HR firm Securex shows that 8 out of 10 Belgian employees feel they won’t be able to continue working until 66, a figure that has remained steady since 2019.
Older Workers Face Immediate Impact
The change will impact workers aged 65 and under, but those 55 and over will be hit earliest. Surprisingly, this age group shows a slightly more optimistic outlook. Roughly 70% of workers over 55 report they will not strive to attain the new full retirement age of 66 which is up from 86% in 2019 who had the same concern.
Securex attributes this change to improved workplace conditions. It is less physically demanding, more flexible in such things as telecommuting, and has a greater sense of autonomy.
Barriers to Longer Careers Persist
Despite all these developments, much is still to be done. Illness-related absences and rigid management styles are still preventing workers from extending their careers. According to Stephanie Heurterre, senior HR consultant at Securex, raising the retirement age is not enough.
“Employers must actively engage all age groups about this change, not just older workers,” said Heurterre. “The more 55-plus employees believe they can work longer, the more evidence of their interest in working as long as possible, an active desire to contribute to the labour market.”.
Heurterre stressed that employers should encourage open communication and provide individualized support to employees, especially older ones, to facilitate smooth transitions.
Current Retirement Age Lags Behind Legal Limits
Although the retirement age in theory remains at 65, in reality, most Belgians retire much earlier – on average between 61 and 62 years. Pension economist Marjan Maes of KU Leuven says that the gap needs to be bridged to make sure the pension system lasts when life expectancy continues to rise.
“It’s essential to work longer to keep pensions affordable,” Maes said on Radio 1’s De Ochtend. She explained that extending working years benefits the system in two ways: workers contribute longer, and their time drawing a pension is reduced.
A Call for Comprehensive Change
Experts argue that the retirement age should be raised as part of broader reforms. Work environment policies can improve, mobility can be increased, and flexible roles designed to encourage the workforce to stay in the workplace longer.
The Belgian aged population represents the complexities of this problem but focusing on workplace conditions as well as employee engagement toward improved retirement system sustainability could go a long way.
