Five Bay State Employers Are Best
By: State: Massachusetts | Source: aarp.org
Five employers from Massachusetts—more than any other state—are on the 2008 list of AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Representing the Bay State are:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of Cambridge
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) of Boston
- Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) of Ayer
- Harvard University of Cambridge
- DentaQuest of Charlestown
These five organizations join a diverse group of 50 forward-thinking employers, recognized by AARP for demonstrating that enlightened policies toward 50-plus employees make good business sense.
At the Edge of the Age Wave
As the 12th oldest state in the nation, Massachusetts is at the leading edge of the coming age wave. By 2012, almost one in five Bay State workers will be at least 55—nearly a 50 percent increase. At the same time, the pool of younger, replacement workers will be smaller than previous generations and may not be sufficient to meet employer needs.
"As employers face the generational shift in their workforce, it's in their best interest to keep 50-plus workers on the job," says Deborah Banda, AARP Massachusetts state director. "Those who prepare today have the potential to be more competitive tomorrow."
Health Care and Education Sectors Crucial to Aging Workforce
The five Bay State employers recognized by AARP illustrate two industries likely to be first and hardest hit by the aging workforce: health care and education. These industries, as well as government and utilities, represent employment sectors that encourage long service, have had relatively little hiring in recent years, and/or major downsizing in the 1980s and 1990s.
"In Massachusetts, health care employers and educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative policies – such as flexible work schedules, professional development, job sharing and redesign, good health benefits and opportunities to save for retirement – as they work to retain and recruit experienced workers," explains Banda. "In developing and instituting these policies and practices, AARP's Best Employers are charting a course for other employers to follow."
More about the Massachusetts Winners
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge
With 37 percent of employees aged 50-plus, four-time winner MIT offers a wide range of incentives and policies designed to retain mature workers, including "Managing Across Generations", a course communicating the benefits and challenges of different generations to MIT managers.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston
Making the list for the third time in a row, MGH uses placement agencies for older job-seekers to target mature workers and retirees, and offers numerous benefits to retain these workers, including flexible schedules, training, health and retirement benefits. 50-plus workers stay on the job at MGH for an average of fifteen years, and the hospital offers retirees temporary work assignments, consulting and contract work, telecommuting, full- and part-time work, and volunteer work.
Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC), Ayer
NVMC joins the group of Best Employers this year, thanks to the many benefits it offers 50-plus employees, both for current workers and retirees. Both full- and part-time employees are offered a health insurance plan with no deductible. In addition, NVMC offers learning and development programs to its full- and part-time employees working at least 24 hours per week, including: tuition reimbursement, online training, and certification classes. Forty-four percent of NVMC employees are age 50+, with an average tenure of 12.9 years.
Harvard University, Cambridge
Also joining the list this year, Harvard University offers its 50-plus employees one of the institution's greatest assets—access to education. Harvard offers learning and development programs including tuition reimbursement, in-house classroom training, online training, and certification classes. Tuition reimbursement is offered to employees working at least 17 hours per week. During the past 12 months, 27 percent of Harvard employees participated in at least one of the training opportunities. In addition, Harvard offers benefits for part time, full time and retired workers, plus paid leave for caregiving.
DentaQuest, Charlestown
Nearly one-quarter of employees at the DentaQuest are age 50-plus. These mature employees qualify for such benefits as long-term care insurance and work/life balance options including telecommuting and flexible work schedules. DentaQuest automatically enrolls new hires in their 401(k) plan, which includes an employer match and stock options to its full- and part-time employees. DentaQuest also provides short-term time off without pay, and long-term leaves of absence without pay, to allow for caregiving. The company offers on-site care, referral services to assist with care and backup care for children, grandchildren and eldercare.
More About the 2008 Best Employers
Other employers which were acknowledged by AARP for their outstanding programs include Cornell University of New York, Scripps Health of San Diego, and S. C. Johnson and Son, Inc. of Wisconsin. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) became the first federal agency to receive the AARP honor since the program began in 2001. For the complete list of winners, click here.
Apply for 2009
AARP invites employers to apply for the Best Employers honor by submitting an electronic application outlining their exemplary policies and practices toward 50 and over workers.
Candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers. Key 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; retiree work opportunities, and training and development. The application and additional information is available here.
Other Resources
AARP Best Employers For Workers Over 50
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