The project was aimed at giving people opportunities to learn at any stage in life and targeted both skilled professionals as well as less-experienced workers, including those looking for a professional change and novel job opportunities. Furthermore, the project aimed to enhance: - digital skills by developing a flexible ICT-based learning environment and by providing specific training on digital skills necessary to improve professional performance as dealt with by the EU DigComp Framework, such as communication and collaboration, safety, and problem-solving skills; - entrepreneurial skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, by taking advantage of the EU EntreComp Framework and providing specific training contents and resources; - skills and competences needed to promote sustainable development and sustainable, inclusive, and equal working approaches, so as to meet UN SDGS 4, 5, and 8 (Agenda 2030, 2015), and personal, social, and learning-to-learn competence (EU Council, 2018).
It was on Sep 13th of 2016 when the EU Parliament voted in Strasbourg the Resolution 2016/2017 on creating labour market conditions favourable for work-life balance, fostering quality employment and supporting smart working as an approach to organizing work. Since then, the incidence of flexible workers, ‘teleworking tsunami’ has been growing, varying substantially in the EU28 (June 2020): Belgium (66%), Slovenia (33%), France (55%), Poland (38%) and Sweden (46%) [Eurofound ILO]. A number of laws have been issued on national levels, but there is no doubt that digital distance working has never been such a hot topic worldwide as nowadays, since the pandemic of coronavirus has led to its largest mass exercise, with significant impacts on the employability and work-life-stress balance agenda. The group of workers particularly touched by this unexpected change are senior adults (aged 50+), a treasured source of talent for organizations and companies across the globe. During decades of their professional occupation, they groomed important professional experience, skills, and values (loyalty, reliability, commitment, high standards of relations and a strong work ethic) contributing to the success and development of their companies.