[Retirement Age Extension, Time to Choose] "Government Should Design the Framework, Leave Implementation to Company Autonomy"

59.4% Prefer Flexible Introduction
Majority of Companies Support Autonomy Over Uniform Implementation

Companies showed greater interest in who would implement the system of extending the retirement age to 65 and how it would be carried out, rather than the system itself. Most companies stated that the government should design only the broad framework of the system, while the actual decision on implementation should be left to the discretion of each company. They prefer a flexible introduction that takes into account the circumstances of each organization, rather than a uniform application.

In fact, in a recent survey, 59.4% of responding companies said that even if the government designs the retirement age extension system, the decision on whether to implement it should be left to the autonomy of each company. In contrast, only 39.6% believed it should be applied uniformly according to law. This reflects the sentiment on the ground that, while there is agreement with the purpose of the system, autonomy and practical applicability are considered important during the implementation process.

Regarding the appropriate method for introducing the retirement age extension, nearly half of the companies (48.5%) preferred a gradual expansion after a pilot operation. The next most common response was "careful review according to economic conditions" (23.8%). Companies believe that the impact may vary depending on workforce structure and industry characteristics, so prior review and gradual introduction are necessary.

Autonomy was also highlighted as a key factor in the policy support companies expect from the government. "Guaranteeing companies' right to choose autonomously" was the most frequently mentioned at 23.7%, followed by "establishing systems for wage structure reform" and "cost support such as tax reductions," both at 21.8%. There was a strong demand for laying the groundwork for structural change and autonomous management, rather than direct subsidies for labor costs.

As for the necessary supplementary measures if the retirement age extension is institutionalized, "granting autonomous options such as re-employment after retirement" was the highest at 30.7%. Many respondents said that rather than simply extending the system, companies should have the option to decide how to manage older employees. In open-ended responses, many also emphasized company autonomy and the right to choose, rather than government-led uniform implementation.

Responses included, "Rather than legislating a uniform retirement age extension, companies and industries should be able to choose autonomously whether to implement it," and "The government should create guidelines, and companies should be allowed to introduce the system autonomously." There was also the opinion that "a flexible employment system that companies can choose themselves is more effective than simply extending the retirement age."