Belgium Urged to Reform Jobs and Training for an Ageing Workforce, Says OECD

Belgium is entering a major demographic and economic shift. A new OECD report warns that the country’s ageing population, combined with labour shortages and rapid technological change, could place growing pressure on the economy in the coming decades. But the report also says Belgium has a huge opportunity: helping older workers stay active in the labour market for longer through better career mobility, healthier workplaces and stronger training systems.

The study, prepared by the OECD with support from Belgium’s Federal Public Service for Employment and regional labour authorities, argues that the traditional model of working for one employer until early retirement is no longer sustainable. Instead, workers will increasingly need support to change jobs, learn new skills and adapt to evolving industries later in life.

Labour Shortages Are Growing Across Belgium

Belgium is already struggling to fill vacancies in several sectors, especially in green industries, digital jobs and ICT-related occupations. At the same time, technologies such as artificial intelligence are changing the nature of work, forcing employees to constantly update their skills.

The OECD says older workers are especially vulnerable during this transition because they often receive less training than younger employees and may find it harder to adapt to digital changes. Yet Belgium cannot afford to lose experienced workers early. By 2060, the country’s old-age dependency ratio is expected to rise sharply, meaning fewer working-age people will be supporting a growing retired population.

Although employment rates among older workers have improved over the years, Belgium remains below the OECD average. The report highlights that many Belgians continue leaving the labour market around the age of 61, far earlier than in many comparable countries.

Why Career Mobility Matters More Than Ever

The report strongly argues that career mobility can help people work longer and more comfortably. Older workers who voluntarily switch jobs often experience better working conditions, less physical strain and improved work-life balance.

For many workers, changing careers later in life may provide an opportunity to move into roles that are healthier, more flexible or better suited to changing personal needs. The OECD says these transitions can help delay retirement and improve overall job satisfaction.

However, Belgium’s labour market remains relatively immobile. Job changes drop sharply with age, and older workers are much less likely to move between employers than younger workers. When they do change jobs, the move is often involuntary, caused by layoffs or restructuring instead of career advancement.

The report warns that this lack of mobility increases the risk of unemployment, inactivity and early retirement among older workers.

Structural Barriers Are Holding Older Workers Back

According to the OECD, several features of Belgium’s labour market discourage employers from hiring older workers and discourage workers from changing jobs.

One major issue is Belgium’s strict employment protection system. Workers with long years of service receive very strong protections, making employers cautious about recruiting older employees. Seniority-based wage systems also increase labour costs automatically with age and experience, even when productivity levels may not rise at the same pace.

Age discrimination remains another serious challenge. Studies cited in the report show that older job applicants are significantly less likely to receive interview invitations than younger candidates with similar qualifications. Employers often wrongly assume older workers are less adaptable or less comfortable with technology.

Regional divisions also limit labour mobility. While Flanders generally has stronger employment levels, many jobseekers in Wallonia and Brussels struggle with language barriers and lack information about opportunities in other regions.

The Future Depends on Training and Healthier Workplaces

The OECD says Belgium must now rethink how careers work across an entire lifetime. One of the report’s strongest messages is that healthier workplaces are essential if people are expected to work longer.

Many older workers report that they could remain employed for more years if their jobs involved less physical strain or offered more flexibility. The report calls for stronger occupational health systems, better prevention of workplace injuries and more support for workers returning after illness.

Training is equally important. Although Belgium spends heavily on adult learning programmes, participation among older workers remains low. The OECD says training systems are often too complex and not designed around the needs of mid-career employees.

Ultimately, the report concludes that Belgium’s future economic strength will depend on helping older workers continue adapting, learning and moving forward throughout their careers instead of leaving the workforce too early.