This AARP program recognizes that a growing number of U.S. and international employers are developing progressive policies and practices that are meeting the needs of an aging global workforce. AARP seeks to share employers’ best practices with the business community at large and to promote employment opportunities for older workers. We receive applications from a variety of employers in the nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors.

The award is now given out every two years to allow employers to develop, test and implement effective strategies to attract and retain top talent.

The application period closed November 19, 2012. Over the coming months, all applications will be evaluated and given an initial rating by an independent survey firm. Then, each application is scored by a panel of judges and vetted by a second independent firm.

Winners will be notified confidentially no later than April 15, 2013. Those who did not win will be notified no later than May 1, 2013. Winners will be publicly announced June 17, 2013, at the SHRM Annual Conference in Chicago.

Why Did AARP Launch the Program?

By 2016, one-third of the total U.S. workforce will be age 50 or older, up from 28 percent in 2007. The percentage of workers in their early twenties is projected to decline, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Attracting and retaining mature, experienced employees is becoming increasingly important for employers who seek to fill critical skill shortages and retain their competitive edge in today’s marketplace.

See the list of 2011 Best Employers winners. >>