Commission On Aging

Redefining Retirement Years

The Connecticut Commission on Aging launched its Redefining Retirement Years initiative in 2006 in keeping with its legislative mandate to assess emerging issues that affect Connecticut’s present and future generations of older adults.

In January 2009, the Commission released a report entitled "Redefining Retirement Years: Workplace Flexibility and State Law". The report addresses workforce flexibility in the private sector, common myths, other states' initiatives, current Connecticut law and the benefits of adopting a culture of workplace flexibility in Connecticut. This report will be shared with decision-makers, including members of the legislature, the governor and other stakeholders, to help shape Connecticut's workforce of the future.

This report was a follow-up to a earlier initiative by the Commission. In 2006 the Commission collaborated with state Department of Labor and the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission to convene a series of nine focus groups to investigate the changing demographic structure of the state’s workforce.

The 55 participants in the September 2006 focus groups included employees and retirees of private for-profit and non-profit businesses and active and retired employees of state agencies. They offered their views on employment, workplace issues and retirement. Information gleaned during the focus groups resulted in a comprehensive 2007 report that may ultimately help influence public education, guide advocacy with state policymakers and spur new initiatives that could strengthen the workforce and Connecticut’s economy.

A result of these reports the CoA recommended the Government Elections and Administration (GAE) Committee raise SB1144, An Act Concerning Flexible Work Schedules and Telecommuting Options for State Employees.

For more information about the Commission’s Redefining Retirement Years initiative, please contact the Commission office in the State Capitol at 860-240-5200.