Retiree Relations: 2008 AARP Best Employers For Workers Over 50

What sets AARP Best Employers apart from their competitors are the ways they value their mature employees—even after an employee chooses to end full-time employment. In fact, successful retiree relations can slow the brain drain associated with a retiring workforce, assist in recruitment efforts, and address organizational and benefits issues.

 

Ongoing two-way communication, alumni networks, discount programs, and formal retirement recognition programs are just some of the many ways successful organizations stay in touch with their retirees. In fact, 74 percent of AARP Best Employers communicate with their retirees on a regular basis, 82 percent invite them to participate in organization events or celebrations, and 90 percent formally acknowledge employees on the occasion of their retirements.

 

In addition, many Best Employers keep in touch with their retiree bases for volunteer or part-time employment opportunities by maintaining formal lists of retirees available for work appointments. These employers are able to minimize their costs for training and on-boarding through an at-will work arrangement, and maintain intellectual capital available to their organizations.

 

Below are several notable examples of excellent practices in retiree relations among the 2008 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50:

 

George Mason University – As employees prepare for retirement, George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va., extends a special invitation encouraging retirees to stay connected. This proactive approach to maintaining the relationship has resulted in a number of retirees who have come back to work on special assignments, teach part-time, conduct research, and provide consulting services. Additionally, the university offers retirees an extensive array of benefits, including tickets to performances and sporting events, an annual parking decal, complimentary visits to aquatic and fitness centers, and participation in seminars and other programs. Retirees are also encouraged to obtain GMU-retiree ID cards, providing the holders the same privileges as current GMU-ID cardholders, but with no expiration date.

 

National Institutes of Health – Retirees of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., may elect to be contacted following their retirement so they are informed of initiatives and activities taking place at NIH. By staying connected, some retirees return to train their replacements or to offer unique skills and knowledge otherwise unavailable.

 

Saint Vincent Health System – Retirees of the Erie, Pa., health care system may become part of the R.S.V.P. (Retired Saint Vincent Valued Pacesetters) program. This organization not only helps connect retirees with the health system and each other by sharing family announcements, but it also solicits feedback from retirees for developing new ideas and program involvement. The System’s chief-executive officer also gives R.S.V.P. members an annual strategic review of the organization, and members are invited to attend holiday celebrations, speaker series, and bus trips.

 

Harvard University – Retirees of the Cambridge, Mass., university receive free subscriptions to three of Harvard’s publications, which advertise job opportunities. The Harvard University Retiree Association offers activities for ongoing intellectual growth, social interaction, and service to the university. Additionally, the association acts as a liaison between retirees and the university on matters of mutual concern. The university offers many opportunities for retirees to continue their own education through a non-credit, non-degree program and a tuition-assistance program.

 

Scripps Health – At the San Diego, Calif., health care system, more than 1,100 of Scripps’ 1,600 volunteers are retirees from Scripps and the community. Volunteers work on the patient floors, in administration offices, and at information kiosks. Scripps Health maintains frequent contact with former employees through the Scripps Alumni Network, by sharing a quarterly newsletter and helping to recruit retirees back to the organization. Finally, Scripps Health invites retirees to participate in service awards events and other appreciation activities like Scripps Night at the Ballpark with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.