Atlantic Health, Trinitas and Saint Barnabas Named AARP 2007 Best Employers For Workers Over 50
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-09-28 13:41:25.397987-04:00
A number of employers across the country, including New Jersey's Atlantic Health, Trinitas Hospital, and Saint Barnabas Health Care Organization are demonstrating that enlightened policies toward 50+ employees make good business sense, based on the 2007 list of AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
"Employers that take a world class approach in their policies toward 50 and over workers understand that the result is more productive employees," said AARP State Director Sy Larson while announcing New Jersey's winners.
Atlantic Health earned praise for its "1000 Hour Club" which allows retirees to work on a limited basis with flexible scheduling, with no impact on retirement benefits.
"Providing our more experienced employees with flexible work options as well as providing our retirees with programs to keep actively working on their own terms, is our way of showing our appreciation for the important resources they offer our company," said Andrew Kovach, VP Human Resources & Chief Administrative Officer.
"Focusing on the employee's personal needs pays dividends," added Larson. "It is important that more employers— both large and small—recognize what tremendous assets 50 and over employees represent because of the skill and experience they bring to the workplace."
Saint Barnabas Health Care Organization's Per Diem nurse work options have successfully met many of the staffing needs with 1,457 Per Diem employees (320 age 50+) participating.
Margaret Degnan, 60-years-old, has been an employee of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System for 13 years. During this time, she has served as the Administrator of Ashbrook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotch Plains.
"Being respected by your employer is important at any age, especially as you approach and move through your 50s. Throughout my career with the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, I have always felt like a valued member of a team whose experience was welcomed and encouraged."
Trinitas Hospital stays connected with its retired population through the "Seniors First" program, which offers counseling services on Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental health insurance, senior care management services, physician referral, health care at home and Lifeline Systems at-home protection services.
"All of us at Trinitas Hospital are thrilled to receive this national award, which recognizes our Health and Wellness Initiatives that include a variety of education, training and hands-on activities geared toward the special needs of those 50 years of age and older," noted Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ.
The Best Employers winners were honored at a dinner in New York City on Sept. 26. A CEO roundtable discussion focusing on a new AARP study examining best practices for meeting the needs of 50+ workers among international and multinational corporations representing G7 countries will take place earlier that day. An international conference—titled "Profit From Experience"—followed on Sept. 27.
Learn more about the top ten Best Employers winners in the November-December issue of AARP The Magazine.
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