Pensions and Retirement Training Course on Flexible Retirement Options

Module 1: Overview of Flexible Retirement Concepts
Evolution of retirement models in the global pension landscape
Economic and demographic drivers behind flexible retirement
Key types of flexibility: phased, partial, deferred, and re-employment options
Balancing individual choice with collective scheme sustainability
Comparative review of flexible retirement systems in OECD and emerging markets
Case study: Evaluating the success of phased retirement in a hybrid plan

Module 2: Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
Legal definitions and eligibility conditions for flexible retirement
National pension laws and labor regulations supporting flexibility
Interaction between public and occupational pension frameworks
Employer roles and obligations in flexible retirement arrangements
Taxation implications of early or phased retirement benefits
Workshop: Reviewing a national pension regulation to identify flexibility gaps

Module 3: Designing Flexible Benefit Structures
Structuring early, phased, and deferred benefit options
Adjusting actuarial factors and discount rates for flexible payouts
Managing longevity and sustainability risks under flexible models
Financial implications for sponsors and members
Integrating flexible drawdown with lump-sum and annuity options
Simulation: Building a flexible benefit payment schedule for a defined contribution plan

Module 4: Financial, Actuarial, and Administrative Considerations
Actuarial valuation adjustments for flexible retirement behaviors
Impact of flexible retirement on contribution and funding patterns
Managing investment allocation and liquidity for variable withdrawals
Data requirements and system capabilities to support flexible options
Communication and decision-support tools for members nearing retirement
Exercise: Modeling the financial effect of phased retirement on a pension fund’s liabilities

Module 5: Strategic Implementation and Member Communication
Integrating flexible retirement with HR and workforce planning strategies
Designing communication materials to educate members about choices
Managing transitions between full-time work, part-time work, and full retirement
Monitoring uptake and outcomes of flexible retirement programs
Using analytics and member feedback to refine policy design
Group project: Developing a communication and implementation roadmap for a new flexible retirement policy