• Recruitment
• Workforce Trends

• Retention Strategies
• Workplace Law

• Benefits
• Best Employers Program

How are the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Selected?

Employers interested in being considered for the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 honor must submit a comprehensive application that includes questions about their human resources practices and policies. Because policies that are good for mature workers are often beneficial for all workers, employers are not required to have programs dedicated exclusively to mature workers. However, employers who can demonstrate that their programs are particularly valued by mature workers may receive additional credit through the evaluation process.

The deadline for the 2008 Best Employers for Workers over 50 application is closed. Return to our Web site in September 2008 to see the winners of 2008 Best Employers for Workers over 50 and to access the application for the 2009 Best Employers award.

Areas of consideration include:

• recruiting practices,
• opportunities for training, education, and career development;
• workplace accommodations;
• alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement;
• employee health and pension benefits; and
• retiree benefits.

The Selection Process

• Applications submitted by the deadline are evaluated by an independent survey firm using evaluation guidelines developed by AARP's workforce experts and research staff in consultation with external labor experts.
• After the survey firm's review, the applications and initial ratings are sent to AARP and an independent panel of judges.
• The panel of judges comprised of private sector, nonprofit, and government labor experts review the applications. The opinions of the judges, together with the initial rating, form each applicant's final rating.
• After the evaluation is complete, finalists are vetted to ensure that any organization recognized as one of the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 has practices that are generally consistent with AARP's public policies and values.

All applicants, including those who are honored and those who are not, are notified of the outcome and receive feedback comparing their scores to those of other applicants.

For More Information

If you have questions about the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program, email bestemployers@aarp.org.