The 2008 AARP International Innovative Employer Awards

Horsens Kommune
Horsens, Denmark
Municipal Government
5,662 employees (969 teachers). 36 Percent Age 50+ (48 Percent Age 50+ among teachers)

Standing out among policies in the Municipality of Horsens is “The Good Working Life” project to motivate older teachers to continue working rather than entering retirement. Following implementation of this comprehensive policy to retain older teachers, employment among teachers age 60+ doubled from 4.1 percent to 8.3 percent of teachers from 2000 to 2006.
 
Special mentoring programs also resulted from the initiative, through which younger teachers learn from the experiences of their older counterparts. New teachers benefit from the knowledge transfer and from a work culture characterized by intergenerational teamwork.
 
Loewe AG
Kronach, Germany
Electronics Industry
926 employees. 32 Percent Age 50+

A particularly innovative aspect of Loewe’s approach to older workers is its emphasis on educating executives on the need to develop sound strategies within the context of an aging workforce. This is one of four action areas covered under Project 67, a company initiative aimed at addressing demographic developments in its workforce.
 
A second action area aims to counteract the risks of decline in health and  productivity associated with final assembly production by introducing job rotation and a greater variation in assembly line duties. Such policies help prevent joint and skeletal disorders arising from repetitive movements common to assembly-line workers.
 
SICK AG
Waldkirch, Germany
Industrial Equipment and Commercial Machinery
1,879 employees. 17 Percent Age 50

Mature workers at SICK AG serve as mentors for younger employees through mixed-age training groups and project teams. Moreover, the company maintains strong ties with retired employees by inviting them to company functions. SICK AG also puts significant emphasis on employee health with a project addressing how healthy aging can be achieved in the workplace, as well as through comprehensive flexible work options.
 
Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
Singapore
Public Hospital/Health care
14,800 employees. 18 Percent Age 50+

SingHealth’s approach to mature workers utilizes a “Silver Connection Consultant,” who provides guidance on career transitions and management of older employees. In addition, a number of programs provide opportunities to upgrade skills and acquire new knowledge. SingHealth has also invested heavily in automation and mechanization to alleviate job-related physical demands, making work more suitable for older employees.