The proportion of Finnish retirees who would like to continue working in retirement has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to research from Ilmarinen.

The Advances to Retirement 2026 survey found that just over half (52 per cent) of pensioners would like to undertake paid work during retirement, down from 60 per cent in 2025 and well below the levels recorded between 2021 and 2024, when more than 60 per cent expressed a desire to continue working.

The number of retirees who have actually worked during retirement has also declined, with 29 per cent saying they had undertaken paid work after retiring, compared with between 35 and 42 per cent in previous years.

Commenting on the findings, Ilmarinen pension manager, Outi Pekkarinen, said the trend reflects broader changes in Finland's labour market and retirement patterns.

“The retirement age of Finns has risen rapidly this decade,” she explained.

“This is also reflected in the fact that fewer people than before want to continue working after retirement.”

Despite the decline in willingness to work, the study found that many retirees still feel capable of remaining in employment.

More than half (53 per cent) said they believed they could still cope well in working life.

However, only 37 per cent felt suitable work would be available to them if they wanted it, down from between 39 and 47 per cent in previous surveys conducted between 2014 and 2025.

Pekkarinen suggested the findings reflect current economic conditions.

“Unemployment in Finland is now the highest in the EU, so many people who have already retired would rather spend their well-earned retirement days than consider returning to working life.”

Meanwhile, the research also highlighted the role employers can play in retaining older workers.

Around 27 per cent of retirees said they had been offered work by a former employer after retiring.

Pekkarinen argued that discussing retirement plans earlier could help facilitate flexible working arrangements.

“Continuing part-time often requires additional arrangements from the employer,” she stated.

“If pension plans are discussed at the workplace well in advance, there will also be time to plan part-time work.”

Indeed, the study found that conversations about retirement intentions are becoming more common.

Half of respondents discussed their retirement plans with their manager before making a final decision to retire, while 56 per cent said the issue was only raised after they had effectively decided to retire.

However, 30 per cent said they had not discussed their retirement plans with their manager at all.

The research also showed that only 26 per cent of respondents were actively encouraged to remain in work for longer, while 21 per cent said the subject was mentioned but they were not encouraged to stay.

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