AARP has listed the best employers for workers over 50 years of age. Companies were evaluated on several criteria including recruiting practices, training, education and career development. Alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job-sharing and phased retirement among other policies were also considered.
Co-sponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management, the list recognizes employers with exemplary practices for recruiting and retaining mature workers.
The following employers are the top 10 of 50, with No. 1 offering the best policies for older workers, according to AARP. Financial advisors might be interested to know that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, while not making the top 10, was no. 20 on AARP's list. AARP updates the list every two years.
No. 10
WellStar Health System
Marietta, Ga.
WellStar Health System’s Guidance Resources Program provides retirement and estate planning as well as career counseling and support to employees, retirees and their families. The WellStar Cents program is a Web-based discount-purchasing program that gives employees access to name-brand vendors at discounts while earning points that can be converted into purchasing dollars. Through the WellStar FlexWorks program, retirees can elect to work as little or as much as they want, providing the position allows for flexible hours.
No. 9
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Arlington, Va.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Personal Investments Retirement Consulting Service offers employees and retirees free financial planning advice from certified professionals. This personalized program is designed to provide guidance and information on retirement planning, investment options, asset allocation, 401(k) pension plan descriptions, 401(k) pension statement review, IRA funding options, IRA withdrawal options and retirement plan distribution options.
No. 8
Bon Secours Virginia
Richmond, Va.
Bon Secours Virginia employees receive a significant credit on their medical premiums for completing a personal health assessment and an online wellness screening. Employees working 32-plus hours per week can take part in the organization’s formal phased retirement program. The program allows the employee to retire from Bon Secours and then get rehired without losing any retirement funds. Those ages 65-69 maintain pension benefits provided they are not working more than 24 hours per week. Employees working past age 70½ receive their pension, with no limits to hours worked.
No. 7
West Virginia University
Morgantown, W.Va.
West Virginia University (WVU) retirees receive discounts to WVU athletic and cultural events, WVU libraries, transportation services and the WVU Recreation Center. Mature employees benefit from the "Take Charge of Your Health" program, which is an eight-week program with weekly assignments. By the end of the eight-week period, employees will have compiled a personal health manual with information on health contacts, health numbers, medications, family medical trees, medical visits and medical reports.
No. 6
The YMCA of Greater Rochester
Rochester, N.Y.
Preretirement seminars are offered to The YMCA of Greater Rochester employees and cover topics such as the importance of developing retirement goals, retirement income sources, health and long-term care insurance, and end-of-life estate planning. A formal mentoring program, "Mentoring Across Generations," helps employees understand the culture of the organization and gain expertise in specific disciplines.
No. 5
Mercy Health System
Janesville, Wis.
Mercy Health System employees age 55-plus are eligible for "Senior Connection" membership. Benefits include ease of admission at any Mercy Health System facility, as well as the following free services: Medicare and health care claims assistance, prescription drug discount service, social and educational events, living will and power of attorney for health care, as well as notary service. Mercy’s "Work to Retire" program allows employees age 50-plus with five years of service the opportunity to work reduced, pool or work-at-home schedules, and employees age 55-plus with 15 years of service can work seasonally while maintaining full-year, part-time benefits. The Mercy Retiree Association offers numerous free benefits such as health screenings, lunch-and-learn programs, financial planning seminars and retirement planning education, elder care counseling, and special retiree discounts on Mercy services and retail products.
No. 4
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
MD Anderson provides numerous health care savings benefits to its employees and retirees. Medical premiums are paid at 100 percent for full-time employees, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are offered and employees are given a $15/month WorkLife Choice Award for participating in the FSA. Retirees receive free medical and prescription premiums, and are eligible to purchase additional life insurance, dental, vision and long-term care insurance at group rates. Retirees stay connected with the health care system through the MD Anderson Retiree Association.
No. 3
Atlantic Health System
Morristown, N.J.
Atlantic Health System (AHS) retirees in the 1000 Hour Club can return to work either on a part-time or per diem basis three months after retirement. The retiree can work up to 999 hours annually and continue to collect retirement benefits. Retirees can attend hospital-based and community health fairs where they receive free health screenings on cholesterol, cardiac risk factor ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, prostate cancer, hearing loss, skin cancer and glucose levels.
No. 2
Scripps Health
San Diego, Calif.
Scripps Health offers staged retirement programs to eligible employees age 55 and older. In this program, employees collect full-time benefits and may dip into their retirement funds while working part-time. Scripps offers financial hardship benefits such as salary advances, PTO hardship withdrawals, and the employee funded Scripps HOPE Fund provides financial hardship assistance with paid time off or financial assistance.
No. 1
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Md.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an array of financial planning information and training to its employees. The Recreation & Welfare Association conducts regular financial planning seminars, and the NIH Training Center, the NIH Credit Union and the NIH Benefits office host quarterly seminars on topics such as estate planning, strategic college funding, Thrift Savings Plan investing, Social Security, and investing and fraud avoidance tips. Preretirement classes are held for employees within five years of retirement. The NIH has a Web site listing employment opportunities exclusively for retired federal employees.
For the complete list of all 50 companies click here.