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Mentoring Programs Benefit Employers and Employees

Mentoring programs increase opportunities to transfer corporate knowledge and advice that is not always conveyed through normal training activities. They create and expand career opportunities, and help companies solve problems that could otherwise block productivity. More so, these programs provide ways to leverage the institutional knowledge of older workers to the benefit of themselves, junior employees, and the company as a whole. These practices may be formal or informal.

The "2004 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50" program recognized companies that have programs with a range of financial, social, and professional benefits for the older worker. These organizations also recognize the value that mature workers bring to their workplace.

We spotlight these three companies with programs that benefit employers and other employees by facilitating the exchange of company-specific and professional knowledge on the job.

Adecco Employment Services, Melville, NY

Adecco Employment Services matches mature and experienced branch managers with new branch managers to counsel them on strategies and tactics for success. This program also brings new office supervisors for career counseling and mentoring.

Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, FL

Baptist Health South Florida goes a step further with its Preceptor (mentoring) Program. It gives financial incentives to senior nursing staff who provide guidance to assigned junior colleagues.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, Los Angeles, CA

At Farmers Insurance Group of Companies more experienced workers can be matched with less experienced employees to help them meet personal and professional goals. For the mentor, this is an opportunity to have meaningful interaction with someone who may not be in the same work unit.

Studies show that employees with mentors throughout their careers experienced better compensation, faster promotions, and more successful careers than those who do not have mentors. At the same time, employers observed that mentoring programs improved employee performance, helped increase retention, and produced employees who are better equipped to work in today’s dynamic and diverse workforce.

AARP Resources

The Teacher’s Mentor
Retired teachers in Washington, DC mentor first time teachers.

AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50
AARP’s annual awards that recognize employers with exemplary policies and practices in hiring, retaining, and promoting workers age 50+.

Get New Skills
Employers may wish to give this article to employees who are seeking to update skills.

AgeLine Database
AARP’s online AgeLine Database is a searchable database including over 65,000 book and article summaries, research reports, policy papers and video summaries, covering literature from 1978 to the present.