Attention Illinois Employers: AARP Seeks Best Employers for Workers Over 50
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-12-27 11:35:00-05:00
Applications are now available for the 2005 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award.
This award recognizes employers that demonstrate innovative approaches for hiring and retaining older workers. The competition seeks to determine employers of choice by, among other things, highlighting those who provide flexible work options, operate creative recruitment programs, provide ongoing training and education opportunities and rehire retirees. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28, 2005.
In 2004, three Illinois-based companies were named to the prestigious list:
- Centegra Health System based in Woodstock
- Zurich, North America based in Schaumburg
- Two-time honoree Deere & Company based in Moline
For the Illinois companies named Best Employers, roughly a quarter or more of their workforce is over 50 and they actively recruit older workers, including making job offers to former and retired employees.
Notable employee programs and benefits include Centegra's Alumni Nurse Program to keep retired employees active and Zurich's wellness programs to keep older workers engaged and healthy. Two-time honoree Deere & Company maintains a low turnover rate for older employees with flexible work schedules, subsidized health-related benefits and career counseling.
Recognizing the important role of government as one of the largest employers in the country, AARP has opened the program to government employers at the local, state and federal levels. AARP encourages Illinois employers in the public and private sectors to apply for the Best Employer designation by describing their innovative practices toward 50 and over workers.
A consulting firm provides a preliminary rating of the applicants. Then a panel of outside judges evaluates the applications; their opinions, combined with the consultant's evaluations, lead to final ratings. Additional vetting follows in order to determine the final list.
AARP also gives the Bernard E. Nash Award for Innovation. This award will go to the employer who describes an innovative practice in one of the following areas: recruitment, flexible work options, or rehiring of retired employees.
The 2005 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 awards dinner will be held in at the Drake Hotel in Chicago on Sept. 22.
For more information, visit the AARP Employer Resource Center online.
Related Articles
- Staying Ahead of the Curve 2004: Employer Best Practices for Mature Workers
- Staying Ahead of the Curve 2003: The AARP Working in Retirement Study
- What Older Workers Want From Work
Other Resources
- AARP Best Employers For Workers Over 50
- AARP Employer Resource Center
- AARP Careers
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