Work ability of U-50 declines during coronavirus pandemic

The work capacity of people under the age of 50 has declined during the coronavirus epidemic, according to studies by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

The negative change is particularly evident with women, said the THL in a press release on Monday, quoting the FinHealth Studies conducted between in 2017 and 2020.

At the end of 2020, 14 percent of women aged 25-49 said they were completely or partially unable to work. In 2017, the corresponding figure was 9 percent. At the end of 2020, 11 per cent of men in the same age considered themselves completely or partially unable to work. In 2017, this figure was 8 percent.

On the other hand, the personal experience of work ability for people aged 50 and over has remained almost the same between 2017 and 2020.

A significant share of Finns under 50 years of age reported changes in their work and financial situation during the coronavirus epidemic.

Remote work has increased, and physical active commuting has decreased. Especially women under 50 years of age are concerned about whether their employment will continue and their financial situation.

However, there are also positive news on the working ability of the population. In 2017, more than two thirds of those aged 50–69 felt they were completely fit for work. More than half of those aged 65–69 also felt completely fit for work – even though most were no longer in working life. Up to 40 percent of those aged 75–79 considered themselves completely fit for work.

The work ability of Finns improved considerably until the beginning of the 2010s at which time the positive development came to a halt.

Differences in work ability between education groups have remained high. The proportion of people with limited work ability – those who are partly or completely unable to work – continues to be highest among those with only a basic education.

In order to reduce the negative health and welfare impacts of the coronavirus epidemic, particular attention must be given to promoting the work ability of women under the age of 50, the studies recommended.

Many of them may have been particularly burdened with increased care of children and the elderly while restrictions were in place.

The number of people aged 80 or over will double in Finland over the next two decades. This will inevitably significantly increase the need for labour, in areas such as social and health services.

As the same time the working-age population ages and diminishes in size, and the declining number of births will accelerate, the decrease in working-age population. These demographic trends will pose a threat to the economic and social sustainability of society.

"We must improve the opportunities for healthy diet, physical activity, the avoidance of intoxicants and the prevention of obesity, especially for those with low incomes and a low level of education. General means of promoting health and functioning will also improve work ability,” said Research Professor Seppo Koskinen in the press release.

"The existing work ability of employees must be supported better than at present. Work tasks and working hours must be adapted to the employee's abilities so that they can continue in their work in a meaningful manner. This will also promote their personal welfare," Koskinen added.