The results of the TyöShift service, which promotes the employment of people over 50, are significant

The TyöShift – Getting Employed Through Change coaching pilot, concluded in 2023, was part of the national Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s Work Ability Programme in the Pirkanmaa region and was carried out in cooperation with Spring House Oy.

The TyöShift service piloted a new, intensive coaching model aimed at enabling employment for clients who need support in entering working life. The pilot demonstrated that long-term and individualized coaching significantly supports the employment of the target group.

Key figures and results

• Total participants: 209 clients
• Employed during the service: 123 clients (58%)
• Approximately 25 clients (13%) were close to retirement age or retired during the service
• Of all employment relationships:
• 72 (59%) fixed-term
• 51 (41%) permanent
• 71 (58%) part-time
• 52 (42%) full-time
• 1 full-time and 4 part-time entrepreneurs emerged from the service
• 25 (20%) of all jobs were subsidized
• 7% of clients began a work trial
• 3% received a pension decision or started vocational rehabilitation

Most of the clients were employed through individually identified hidden jobs, as the key priority was to find the right position for each individual. In some cases, clients worked in several different roles or contracts before finding the most sustainable, long-term solution.

After employment, continued support was available to ensure job retention — this applied to 100 clients (81% of those employed). Post-employment follow-up also included employer support, recognizing that the early stages of a new job are often critical to success and satisfaction.

Work ability assessment

At the start of the service, each client provided background information about their situation, including what they wished to address in coaching and what they perceived as barriers to employment.

Out of 182 respondents:

• 139 clients wanted to address issues related to work ability
• 47 clients wanted to discuss topics related to vocational or medical rehabilitation
• 108 clients felt that limited work ability was a barrier to employment
• 68 clients cited personal well-being or endurance as a challenge

When defining individual employment plans and goals, the client’s potential work ability limitations were taken into account. Job options were assessed against the physical and psychosocial demands of work, ensuring that each client gained realistic insights into their own capabilities in working life.

Employment is possible with the right support

The results of the TyöShift service have shown that even from challenging starting points, employment is achievable when the right job and support are available. One key success factor has been close, daily cooperation with employers, which has helped identify suitable opportunities and ensure job retention.

Eevi van Liere, Project Manager of the TyöShift service, expresses her satisfaction with the results and gratitude to all partners involved:

”A warm thank you to every partner who has collaborated with us in the TyöShift service! Every single success has been meaningful, and our joint efforts have had a major impact on both the livelihood and overall well-being of each of our clients.”