Three New Jersey Employers Named to AARP's 2008 Best Employers for Workers Over 50
By: State: New Jersey | Source: aarp.org
Three New Jersey employers were named to the AARP list of 2008 Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
The three companies, Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Newark (horizonblue.com), Pearson of Upper Saddle River (pearson.com), and Atlantic Health of Morristown (atlantichealth.org) were all honored for their progressive policies and programs for workers over 50.
"Corporations, educational institutions and health care employers like Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Pearson, and Atlantic Health are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative policies as they seek to retain and recruit experienced workers," AARP State Director Jim Dieterle said while announcing New Jersey's winners.
Each of the three winning New Jersey companies offer a variety of creative programs for experienced workers. Atlantic Health provides a variety of reward/recognition awards, free comprehensive Wellness Programs, a ceiling lift system that reduces physical strain on the employee, mentoring programs and a generous defined benefit cash balance pension that is 100 percent employer paid.
"The knowledge and expertise of our older workforce benefits all of our employees," said Andrew Kovach, vice-president, Human Resources, and Chief Administrative Officer, Atlantic Health. "It is very gratifying to see that our efforts have been so well-received by our '50-plus' workers and returning retirees and that this success is being recognized by AARP."
2008 marks Atlantic Health's third straight appearance on the Best Employers for Workers Over 50 list.
Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield makes its first appearance on the Best Employers for Workers Over 50 list this year. Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield was specifically recognized for their WELL Program (Wellness in Employment Life and Learning), which offers numerous employee health benefits including an on-site health center, pharmacy concierge, on-site LabCorp facility, and an on-site fitness center.
"Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey embraces workers over 50 and understands their value to our company," Deborah Gingher, Director, Human Resources, Enterprise Initiatives said. "They have a tremendous wealth of knowledge and are often the subject matter experts and problem solvers for our company."
"We have launched a phased retirement program that allows our employees nearing retirement to transition gradually as they begin to plan for this next phase of life," Gingher added. "At the same time they can share their knowledge and experience with other employees who will follow in their footsteps. We are honored that the AARP has recognized Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey as one of the nation's best companies for workers 50 years or older."
Pearson publishing was the final New Jersey company honored by AARP. The company was honored for its Prepare to Care program, an on-site Geriatric Care Manager Program that provides assistance to employees facing eldercare issues. The company recently expanded its backup care program to include all dependents; child, adult, and those with special needs. Approximately one-third of Pearson employees are age 50+.
"Pearson is honored to receive recognition as one of the Best Companies for Workers Over 50," said Christine Trum, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Pearson. "We understand and appreciate the significant impact that workers over 50 have in all of our businesses."
"It is key to our continued success to provide benefits and programs that support our diverse population, as well as recognize the contribution and experience of this dedicated group," Trum stated.
Other employers acknowledged by AARP for their outstanding programs include:
- Cornell University, which finished first
- Scripps Health of San Diego, which finished second
- S. C. Johnson and Son, Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin, third. S. C. Johnson was first in 2007.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) became the first federal agency to receive the AARP honor since the program began in 2001. NIH finished eleventh.
The Best Employers winners, and the winners of a separate International Innovative Award, will be honored at a dinner on Oct. 7 in Chicago.
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