This biennial recognition program honors companies and organizations who value the 50+ workforce.
This biennial recognition program honors companies and organizations who value the 50+ workforce.
1. Cornell University
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Industry: Education/Post-Secondary
Location: Ithaca, N.Y.
URL: www.cornell.edu
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: In 2009, Cornell University marks its fifth straight year on the list of AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Job advancement at Cornell is formalized in the university's Qualified Employees Seeking Transfer, or "QUEST" program, which is a performance-based arrangement designed to help employees identify opportunities for internal transfers.
2. First Horizon National Corporation
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003
Industry: Financial Services
Location: Memphis, Tenn.
URL: www.firsthorizon.com
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: Celebrating its seventh consecutive year on AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50, First Horizon emphasizes leadership and training for its employees. The company offers numerous leadership courses and encourages all employees to recognize their peers' accomplishments via the Firstpower Line program. First Horizon continuously uses feedback from workers to amend or create new benefits programs, including a vacation-donation program and parental leave.
3. National Institutes of Health
Winning Years: 2009, 2008
Industry: Federal Government
Location: Bethesda, Md.
URL: www.nih.gov
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) makes a return appearance to the AARP Best Employers list after premiering in 2008.
The many benefits and opportunities available to employees through the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association have promoted an active workforce and an active retiree group. R&W supports more than 30 clubs, including photography, bicycling, and skiing, and administers volunteer activities, such as NIH Charities, Camp Fantastic, and Children's Inn.
4. The YMCA of Greater Rochester
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Industry: Private – Nonprofit
Location: Rochester, N.Y.
URL: www.rochesterymca.org
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: The YMCA of Greater Rochester is in its fifth straight year of making AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Retirees have the opportunity to participate in a formal phased-retirement program while continuing to receive their pension benefits. Rehired retirees are also able to keep collecting payments from their retirement-savings plans. Retirees age 65+ receive all the same health benefits as their currently working counterparts and many of the same wellness benefits. The company also engages employees through its Mentoring Across Generations program.
5. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Winning Years: 2009, 2008
Industry: Not for Profit - Other
Location: Arlington, Va.
URL: www.nreca.coop
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) makes its second consecutive appearance on AARP's list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. NRECA offers employees a benefits package that includes perks like free preventive-care exams. Employees can also choose from a number of alternative-work arrangements, ranging from flextime to the ability to telework up to three days per week. Currently, 37 percent of NRECA's workforce is age 50+, with an average tenure of 11.8 years.
6. S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Winning years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
Industry: Industrial
Location: Racine, Wis.
URL: www.scjohnson.com
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year marks S.C. Johnson & Son's fourth on AARP's annual list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. S.C. Johnson offers workers and retirees the same benefits and programs, which include a defined pension benefit plan and the S.C. Johnson JMBA Recreation and Fitness Center. This center offers health, wellness, and fitness programs and activities specifically or exclusively to retirees. The company actively maintains contact with retirees by communicating about events, celebrations, workshops, and temporary assignments. S.C. Johnson also formally recognizes retirees and employees for their contributions to the community.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2003
Industry: Education – Post-Secondary
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
URL: www.mit.edu
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology makes its fifth appearance on AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. By creating a positive work environment through a generous benefits package, progressive programs such as MITemps, and internal-hiring practices, MIT has been able to foster growth in its employees and to maintain high levels of employee retention. Thirty-seven percent of MIT employees are ages 50 or older, with an average tenure of 15.9 years.
8. Stanley Consultants
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002
Industry: Consulting Services
Location: Muscatine, Iowa
URL: www.stanleyconsultants.com
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, Stanley Consulting makes its seventh appearance on the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 list. By offering a generous benefits package and flexible work schedules, Stanley has been able to attract and retain mature workers.
The company's phased-retirement program has helped the organization maintain its skilled, mature labor force. About 75 percent of new retirees participate in the phased-retirement program during their first two years of retirement. Phased-retirement schedules are flexible and are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the employee and the employer. Currently, just over one-third of employees are age 50+, with an average tenure of 15 years.
9. Brevard Public Schools
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Industry: Education - Pre-secondary
Location: Viera, Fla.
URL: www.brevard.k12.fl.us
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: As of 2008, 44 percent of Brevard Public Schools' workforce was age 50+. Brevard tries to retain its mature workers by offering them a number of alternative work arrangements, such as flextime and phased retirement. Brevard also actively works with its retirees to fill permanent and temporary positions in the schools. As of 2008, 494 retirees had used one of the schools' employment opportunities.
10. George Mason University
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007
Industry: Education
Location: Fairfax, Va.
URL: www.gmu.edu
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year marks George Mason University's third appearance on AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Among other development and training opportunities, the university offers employees a Life Planning/Eldercare seminar series for employees interested in learning more about caring for elderly relatives, planning retirement, or aging in place.
The university also offers employees support groups and information on, and referral services for eldercare. Retirees of any age enjoy the same benefits as current employees, including individual and family long-term-care coverage. More than one-third of the university's workforce is age 50 or older.
Next: See AARP's Full List of Best Employers for Workers Over 50 >>
See Also: Top 10 Companies Hiring This Week >>
Sep 10th 2009 @ 10:43AM Janet
There aren't many good employers for people over 50. At age 60, finding myself unemployed for the first time in my life, and basically unemployable because of my age. This old dog had to learn new skills because nobody is hiring 60 year olds now.
Reply
Sep 15th 2009 @ 10:38PM CJ
I am not quite 50 yet however, in six months or so I won't be able to say that. I totally agree with what you were saying about the age thing and being unemployed. It's horrible how people in our country treat anyone over 40, especially in the work force. They would rather have two 20 somethings with no experience or work ethic than one 40 something?
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:03PM janfo00
There aren't many good employers for people over 50. At age 60, finding myself unemployed for the first time in my life, and basically unemployable because of my age, I easily learned the skills that have turned my life around and have me earning more money than I ever did before. I owe it all to a program that I discovered at this site IncomeStreams.notlong.com . This old dog had to learn new skills because nobody is hiring 60 year olds now. There's nothing better than making a great income from the comfort of your own home.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:27PM Cindy
Sounds as if you did find something? If not, I know for a fact that "Wal-Mart" hires people of our age, providing you pass all the pre-employment tests. It also hires handicapped people.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:28PM cathie
You could always be an independent contractor in sales. get you real estate or insurance lic, or sign up for prepaid legal, and sell legal insurance (no lic required in most states).
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:40PM Joseph Leonard
After retiring from 2 companies at the age of 70 I still work finding a job locally for 20 dollars an hour in 2006 when i last retired. I also have been offered 2 other jobs. Retraining might be the key but I find my key was learning many skills and getting licensed over my lifetime so I am qualified as an Auto Mechanic ASE ,Bus Driver(Retired From Greyhound),Electronics Technician(Retired from Motorola),Air Condition tech summer work. Acquiring new skills but having worked in a field before seemed to be my other key and of course networking.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:52PM Sharon
Hi
You didn't say what kind of work you did... I am retired too, but I use my learned computer skills and teach computer to seniors. I love it. Have any personal skills that you can turn into work/money
Norwood
Sep 18th 2009 @ 2:44PM Mat
Hi Janet.
Please don't call your self an"old dog."
You are a Young pup and the world is your Oyster.
Best!
Mat also 60
Sep 18th 2009 @ 3:25PM simcamaniac
So, what did you do?? What new skills did you acquire?? and how???
Sep 18th 2009 @ 3:34PM martha
Janet, I understand. I'm 57 and I am an online student learning web graphics design. Most things are done differently from when we entered the work force. You have to update your skills to be employable. I don't deny that there are unwritten rules about hiring age 45+ but baby boomers have good work ethics. So many young people don't have the work ethics we have--they just want a check. Updating your skills and good work ethics helps. On your resume they can't tell how old you are. Your resume gets you an interview and in the interview you have to sell yourself. I wish you the best!
Oct 5th 2009 @ 12:09PM Bobbie
HA! You're 60 and nobody will hire you?
Try this.......I will be 72 next month.....was hired full time a year ago at a high-end skilled nursing facility, but have been treated as only part time. However, I still have a job!
Wait til you're 71 ..... It's rough out there isn't it? But keep trying.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 4:17PM Carl
Your right and is a good thing: Who wants to work in a lock step place with sales quotas and young professionals out to 'make their Bones". Get your own business, or consulting, 60 is less energy and maybe less apt to deal with organizational BS, so work to your strengths - pace, wisdom the ability listen to all sides and make a deal, a calm head, try to find a way to stop being the seal clapping for a piece of fish and become the person with the bits of fish!
Sep 18th 2009 @ 3:49PM SW
Try the census bureau. They like older people and have many jobs.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 4:07PM lois
I agree with you. For the first time, my husband, age 51, has been unemployed now for 3 months. He is an IT Director and still looking for work in the tri-state area.
Sep 18th 2009 @ 4:12PM marilyn
janet, i will be 60 in october, ipracticed law for 20 years and thought i had transferable skills for many jobs. four years ago even aarp did not interview me for a job counseler job. what are we to do ?
Sep 18th 2009 @ 4:33PM Jo
That's not true I am 62 and I was hired at 60 at KSU
Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Hang in there that is definitely not true. Think younger and you will get hired.
Jo
Sep 18th 2009 @ 5:03PM Rick Van Daley
YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT AGE 60!I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR WORK FOR TWO YEARS AND ITS ONLY GETTING WORSE!ILL BE 60 IN NOVEMBER.I HAVE 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN MY FIELD AS A AIRCRAFT MECHANIC BUT NO TAKERS!HOPE I CAN MAKE IT TO 62 AND SS!!
Sep 18th 2009 @ 5:32PM rameypmstar1
Janet you must have a positive attitude some times we can
be our own worst enemy. How do you think others will judge you if you can't see the value of your self!! Why not readjust your thinking your future will be much brighter.
Best Regards
Sep 18th 2009 @ 5:24PM Ben
I am 59 and running hotels in various locations.
I encourage our managers to hire mature employees for many reasons:
- They are more educated, dedicated, punctual...and polite with our guests.
- Their attendance is perfect... no kids to take care!
- Some of them love late shifts or early shifts.
- There are not prone to letting your down as soon as you train them... therefore we avoid costly turnover.
On the other hand the only killers are the Medical Insurance Companies that are telling us that we have to pay 40% or more than a regular company because we have too many employees over 50.
I am a Free Spirit individual who beleives in Free Enterprise but I feel that there should be some regulation to eliminate such unfair practice. By the way I am wondering why Insurance Companies should be allowed to discriminate based on age...
Sep 18th 2009 @ 5:26PM ROB...
Jan... hopefully you can afford to look at the future as "sometimes less is more" in other words you may need to sell the house and move somewhere more affordable for ex. cheaper taxes, cheaper car insurance, utilities , phone service and etc. Do not know where you live or your financial standing but; 60? not old but... remember this.. year 1 I swim 5 miles next year 4 etc. in other words do you want to swim or watch others do things in life? May be time to break the script of life.. and start living? GOOD LUCK!!