Aging population in Corsica

Corsica is facing an aging population, which is creating new challenges in its labor market. In 2022, 31% of the island's population was 60 years old or older, matching the number of people under 25 years old.

Future demographic projections

This trend is expected to continue, with people aged 65 or older potentially representing 34% of the regional population by 2050. The Regional Agency for Improving Working Conditions (Aract) Corsica conducted a study to explore the links between demographics and work on the island.

Workforce shrinking over time

The working-age population now represents 55% of the residents, a significant drop from 63% in 1975. According to the Aract study, 40.9% of the employees and staff members surveyed consider the demographic transition to be "a major impact, with a systemic risk for employment and competitiveness."

Challenges for organizations

For organizations, the challenge is twofold: anticipating the departures of experienced employees while managing to attract and retain new workers. This adaptation also requires preserving the skills necessary for the continuity of operations.

Skill transmission as a priority

The transmission of skills ranks highest among concerns, considered a priority by 89.6% of the employees and staff members surveyed and by 88.5% of employers. However, this transmission remains insufficiently structured, with 53.8% of the employers surveyed declaring they only implement occasional initiatives, often as an employee approaches retirement.

Difficulties in hiring

More than half of the employers (57.7%) report encountering major difficulties in filling certain positions, mainly due to a shortage of qualified candidates. This situation is particularly marked in very small businesses (TPE), where 62.5% of employers report these tensions.

Impact on employees

For employees and staff members, these difficulties often result in overwork, frequent replacements, and less availability to train new employees. The Aract Corsica study highlights the importance of improving job attractiveness, with 69.2% of the employers surveyed considering employment conditions, pay, and the quality of work as priority levers.

Employee priorities

From the employees and staff members' side, 57% emphasize the anticipation of recruitment and the integration of new employees. Workload and employment conditions are cited as priorities by 86% of the employees and staff members surveyed.

Proposed solutions

To address this, the study recommends, among other things, developing internal training, mentoring, and apprenticeships. Adjusting the working time of seniors, mentioned by 41.5% of respondents, is also a path to encourage continued employment and the transmission of skills.