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AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Program

AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 is an annual recognition program that acknowledges companies and organizations whose best practices and policies for addressing aging workforce issues are roadmaps for the workplaces of tomorrow.

Now entering its eighth year, the program launched in 2001 with the name AARP Best Companies for Workers Over 50. In 2002, the name changed to AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 to reflect AARP's interest in encouraging applications from a variety of employers, from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Moreover, in order to recognize the important role that government employers play in the U.S. workforce, AARP has now opened the program to government employers, including those at the local, state, and federal levels. AARP recognizes that a growing number of American employers are developing progressive workplace policies and practices that are meeting the needs of an aging workforce. AARP seeks to share employer best practices with the business community and strive for employment opportunities for older workers.

Why Did AARP Launch this Program?

By 2014, nearly one-third of the total U.S. workforce (32%) will be age 50 or older, up from 27% in 2005. As the proportion of younger workers continues to decline, attracting and retaining the mature, experienced worker will become increasingly critical for employers who seek to retain a competitive edge in today's marketplace.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Any employer with at least 50 employees based in the United States is eligible to apply to the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program. This includes for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations, and government employers.

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.