Many older people, despite being able to retire or are already retired, want to continue working. But they often clash with ageism, one of the main problems in the current labor market. Many companies discard senior talent based on prejudices about their technological adaptability or dynamism. Therefore, the case of the Vollpension cafeteria draws attention, which employs precisely people who are already retired.
This cafeteria is located in Austria, where poverty affects one in five women over 65 years of age, as collects the media ‘Deutsche Welle’. One of these special employees is Marianne Hofmann, who at 81 years old continues to work as a waitress, despite being retired, so that she can earn extra income to complete her pension while socializing with other people.
“I like to talk, be with clients; I can’t stay at home without doing anything, I couldn’t stand it,” he tells the aforementioned media. In addition to waitresses, the cafeteria has retired pastry chefs on staff, who prepare all types of cakes. One of them is Liliana Vinkelbagua, who explains that she can decide how many hours she works, normally in 5-hour shifts.
“You no longer have your children at home, you can work longer, you can arrive earlier, you have much more professional and life experience; that is priceless and society has to realize this once and for all,” she says.
“It’s hard sometimes, but when I receive my salary I feel satisfied and even a little proud”
According to Karin Hermann, head of Vollpension, they have two cafeterias in the Austrian capital in which young and old people work together. In the case of older employees, the majority are women. The company’s vision is that, at a time when there is a lack of qualified labor, older people can play an important role in the labor market
“There are many older women who still want to continue working and that is a very important aspect for us,” she defends.
Marianne confirms this, acknowledging that she could not afford unexpected expenses, such as a repair, so she is glad to have extra income. Despite this, he recognizes that sometimes it is complicated and that, physically, the years weigh down. “I don’t sit down because I’m not sure I can get up,” she admits.
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“It’s 5 hours of work but in exchange they pay me. It’s not a walk and not everything is wonderful; it’s 5 hours of work, it’s hard sometimes, but when I receive my salary I feel satisfied and even a little proud,” she adds, demonstrating that the labor market can adapt to older people for mutual benefit.