For the first time, AARP has named three Georgia organizations – WellStar Health System, Manheim and the state Department of Human Services -- to its list of Best Employers for Workers over 50.
Each of these employers uses innovative perks and flexible practices to accommodate the needs of older workers.
“We know that the 55+ workforce will grow at four times the rate of the overall labor force and growth in the labor force of those less than 25 years of age is expected to be flat,” said Ken Mitchell, state director of AARP in Georgia. “When unemployment levels off, employers will need to copy our winners if they expect to prosper in the coming years.”
Area winners include:
Georgia Department of Human Services: The department has more than one-third of its workers over the age of 50, and it recruits from senior placement services and a relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Manheim: Fifty-three percent of the wholesale trade company’s work force is over 50, and the firm uses senior placement agencies to actively target mature workers and retirees.
WellStar Health System: Approximately 30 percent of Wellstar’s employees are over 50, and the company uses senior placement agencies and testimonials from mature workers on their website for recruitment.
“At Manheim, employees are the lifeblood of our business,” said Lilicia Bailey, Manheim senior vice president and chief people officer. “Our senior workforce is a significant part of our employee base and one that is vital to our operations. We are honored to be included on this list with other leading companies in Georgia and across the country, and are proud of our efforts to make Manheim a great place to work for all employees.”
WellStar ranked sixth among 15 in the healthcare category, a new division AARP designated this year. "We value our 50+ workers who demonstrate wisdom, experience and critical thinking skills on a daily basis. Our employee engagement scores have shown that our older workers are among our most engaged employees. We are committed to these valuable team members and appreciate their contribution" said David Anderson, Executive Vice President of Human Resources.
"We are extremely honored to receive an award which speaks to the core of our agency - our employees," said B.J. Walker, DHS commissioner. "More than thirty-five percent of our employees are over the age of 50 and have an average tenure of more than 13 years. We take pride in the experience and work ethic they bring to our agency and the people they serve."
Factors that were considered include recruiting practices, opportunities for training and development, workplace accommodation, alternative works options like flexible scheduling, employee health and pension benefits and benefits for retirees.
All the winners offer developmental opportunities including tuition reimbursement to their mature workers, as well as financial benefits including retirement plans.
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