Around 13% of people in the EU continue to work after reaching retirement age and receiving their first pension, with the main motivations being enjoyment of work and an active lifestyle, or financial necessity. These findings were published by Eurostat based on 2023 data.
The study found that among those who reached retirement age, most either did not work (22.4%) or stopped working (64.7%) within six months of starting to receive their first pension. About 13% continued to work. Of this group, approximately half maintained their previous work routines, while the rest made adjustments such as working fewer hours, switching jobs, or leaving one of two jobs.
The highest proportion of retirees continuing to work was found in Northern Europe, particularly in the Baltic states (Estonia at nearly 55%, Latvia at 44.2%, Lithuania at 43.7%), while the lowest was in Romania (1.7%), Greece (4.2%), and Spain (4.9%).
The primary reason retirees continue working is the enjoyment of their jobs and staying active, cited by 36.3% of respondents. Financial necessity was cited by 28.6%, with a slightly higher percentage among women than men.
Additionally, 11.2% of respondents mentioned staying engaged with society as a reason for continued work, about 9% pointed to high wages at their last job, and others cited their spouse’s continued employment or “other reasons.” The highest proportion of retirees working because they enjoy their jobs was found in Denmark (61%), the Netherlands (almost 60%), and Italy (51.7%). The lowest motivation for continued work was found in Spain, Cyprus, and Slovakia.
Financial necessity was the main reason for working among retirees in Cyprus (over 68%), Romania (over 54%), and Bulgaria (53.6%), while it played the smallest role for retirees in Sweden (9.4%), the Czech Republic (12.4%), and Luxembourg (14.4%).
