Fewer working days — more job satisfaction
Claes Peulecke and his colleague Henrik L. Bak employed at Jyske Bank Corporate Customers in Copenhagen have both chosen to reduce their working hours to three days a week. Both they and their manager agree that it works really well.
Greater job satisfaction
"I’m very pleased with the arrangement I have, with Thursdays and Fridays off. I have extra time to go for long walks or visit museums with my wife and to spend time with our grandchildren and what not. My job satisfaction has also increased,” he says.
His increased job satisfaction also has to do with welcomed changes to his assignments: Whereas he served large, international customers at Handelsbanken, he now advises decision-makers in the form of local corporate customers at Jyske Bank Local Corporate Customers in Copenhagen.
A 30K bicycle ride
“Having a reason to get out of bed and meet other people is important. It wasn't yet time for me to let go of the labour market completely. This way, with more free time, suits me perfectly,” he says. He cycles back and forth to work in Copenhagen, keeping fit with a 30K journey three days a week.
“At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra income even if we could manage without it. My wife and I resigned just before Russia's invasion, so we faced additional expenses for energy modernisation and a heat pump at home.”
Senior employee scheme
His part-time employment at Jyske Bank has also inspired his colleague, 65-year-old corporate customer adviser Henrik L. Bak:
“My wife and I have attended retirement planning events and been advised that it is never too soon to start planning. So when I heard about Claes's scheme, I asked if I could do the same.”
Henrik L. Bak has been on the senior employee scheme since March 2024. It ensures him full pension contributions, even though he has every Monday and Tuesday off.
“I enjoy having more time for leisure activities. I have taken a golf course for instance. Then I have the opportunity to play more golf when I retire.”
45 years in banking
He is drawn to a slower withdrawal from the labour market:
“If you suddenly step down after doing 37 hours for many, many years, it's very abrupt. You’ll easily end up flat on your back, watching a lot of TV.It’s important to take initiatives and make plans,” says Henrik L. Bak, who has worked for a total of 45 years at Jyske Bank and Nordea.
“So, it’s not as if I haven’t contributed to the job market. But I still enjoy having customer contact and will accompany the bank when it moves to Kalvebod Brygge in July. I am far too curious not to.”
Congrats from customers
While he handed over some of his customers to colleagues, he informed the rest that he would now be available three days a week. He would gladly refer them to another adviser if they so desired. Many customers congratulated him on the scheme, and none asked for another adviser.
So, there are actually only good things to say about joining the senior employee scheme, says Henrik L. Bak, who continues to enjoy the social contact with colleagues:
“We have a fun and free sociable tone in the department, so it’s always a pleasure coming into work, and sometimes there are also social events. These also help enhance a sense of community.”
Particular motivating factors
Their manager, Bente Juul Pedersen, Market Director, is very pleased that they both have decided to extend their career.
“They could have chosen to retire, but they go to work because they enjoy it and because they think it's fun. They are still passionate about customers and socialising at work. These are particular motivating factors.”
Bringing their extensive experience, Claes Peulecke and Henrik L. Bak ensure good team dynamics together with younger colleagues.
“It helps ensure diversity, and, although they come in for fewer hours than their colleagues, they have the experience and security needed to really get things done.”
That said, it requires flexibility to embrace employees on the senior employee scheme:
“We are a team of 28, and it works really well because we are a big team. But it takes some degree of flexibility from all parties involved. Especially since Claes and Henrik are both away for two days each week, it is important to remember to communicate stuff that happened on days they were not in.”
The plan is for Claes and Henrik to eventually share a portfolio, allowing them to cover for each other when either is off.
“Quite many of our employees are in their mid and late 50s, and perhaps we may keep them on board through various forms of senior employee schemes,” hopes Bente Juul Pedersen.
Since the sector generally has many employees who are at a mature phase of their life, she believes senior employee schemes could be important, in the general sector as well.
“For many years, the sector was reluctant to hire people, and this means that we’re now facing a problem if we fail in our efforts to make employees postpone their retirement. I believe this is the future.”
Senior reduced-hours scheme - your rights
If you are employed under Finansforbundet’s standard collective agreement (STOK), you have the right to senior part-time employment. This means you are entitled to reduce your working hours without it having an effect on your pension contributions if you have worked continuously for five years.
