Action Report
A Comprehensive Synthesis of the Diginet COST Action Findings Across Working Groups 1–5
The Diginet COST Action synthesizes findings from five working groups on digitalization’s impact on older workers. WG1 highlights age-related digital inequalities in the labor market, with older workers facing significant barriers in digital access, skills, and adaptability. WG2 explores businesses’ strategies to support an aging workforce, emphasizing inclusive HR practices and intergenerational knowledge transfer. WG3 addresses health impacts, including technostress and ergonomic issues, advocating for supportive work environments. WG4 reviews public policies across Europe, noting varied approaches to integrating older workers into the digital economy and stressing the importance of lifelong learning and tailored digital skills training. WG5, the newest group, focuses on media and digitalization, working towards a comprehensive synthesis of findings by October 2025.
Working Group 1
Digitalisation and Social Inequalities: Synthesis and Country Profiles
Working Group 1 examines how digitalization influences social inequalities in the labor market, focusing on age-related disparities. Findings reveal that older workers face significant challenges in digital access, skills, and adaptability. Country profiles highlight varying levels of digital connectivity, with Iceland and the UK showing high connectivity, while Hungary and Slovakia have notable gaps.
Working Group 2
Digitalisation and Age Culture in Organisations: COUNTRY PROFILES
Digitalisation and Age Culture in Organisations: SYNTHESIS
Working Group 2 investigates how organizations respond to an aging workforce in a digitalized economy. The synthesis highlights strategies to bridge the digital divide and enhance older employees’ engagement, such as inclusive HR practices and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Country profiles show varied efforts, with the UK and Sweden being proactive, while Albania and North Macedonia face significant challenges.
Working Group 3
Digitalisation and Health of older Workers: COUNTRY PROFILES
Digitalisation and Health of older Workers: SYNTHESIS
Working Group 3 explores the health impacts of digitalization on older workers, focusing on both physical and mental health challenges. The synthesis highlights issues such as technostress and ergonomic concerns, recommending supportive HR interventions. Country profiles reveal varied health outcomes, with some nations better equipped to mitigate digitalization’s adverse effects through targeted health and wellness programs.
Working Group 4
Digitalisation and Policies: COUNTRY PROFILES
Digitalisation and Policies: SYNTHESIS
Working Group 4 reviews public policy approaches supporting older workers in a digitalized economy. The synthesis highlights varied national strategies, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning and tailored digital skills training. Country profiles reveal differences, with Estonia and Denmark leading in digital inclusion efforts, while Albania and Czechia are still developing comprehensive strategies.