AARP's 2009 Best Employers For Workers Over 50
This biennial recognition program honors companies and organizations who value the 50+ workforce.
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Industry: Education/Post-Secondary
Location: Ithaca, N.Y.
URL: www.cornell.edu
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: In 2009, Cornell University marks its fifth straight year on the list of AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Job advancement at Cornell is formalized in the university's Qualified Employees Seeking Transfer, or "QUEST" program, which is a performance-based arrangement designed to help employees identify opportunities for internal transfers.
2. First Horizon National Corporation
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003
Industry: Financial Services
Location: Memphis, Tenn.
URL: www.firsthorizon.com
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: Celebrating its seventh consecutive year on AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50, First Horizon emphasizes leadership and training for its employees. The company offers numerous leadership courses and encourages all employees to recognize their peers' accomplishments via the Firstpower Line program. First Horizon continuously uses feedback from workers to amend or create new benefits programs, including a vacation-donation program and parental leave.
3. National Institutes of Health
Winning Years: 2009, 2008
Industry: Federal Government
Location: Bethesda, Md.
URL: www.nih.gov
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) makes a return appearance to the AARP Best Employers list after premiering in 2008.
The many benefits and opportunities available to employees through the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association have promoted an active workforce and an active retiree group. R&W supports more than 30 clubs, including photography, bicycling, and skiing, and administers volunteer activities, such as NIH Charities, Camp Fantastic, and Children's Inn.
4. The YMCA of Greater Rochester
Winning Years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Industry: Private – Nonprofit
Location: Rochester, N.Y.
URL: www.rochesterymca.org
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: The YMCA of Greater Rochester is in its fifth straight year of making AARP's list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Retirees have the opportunity to participate in a formal phased-retirement program while continuing to receive their pension benefits. Rehired retirees are also able to keep collecting payments from their retirement-savings plans. Retirees age 65+ receive all the same health benefits as their currently working counterparts and many of the same wellness benefits. The company also engages employees through its Mentoring Across Generations program.
5. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Winning Years: 2009, 2008
Industry: Not for Profit - Other
Location: Arlington, Va.
URL: www.nreca.coop
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) makes its second consecutive appearance on AARP's list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. NRECA offers employees a benefits package that includes perks like free preventive-care exams. Employees can also choose from a number of alternative-work arrangements, ranging from flextime to the ability to telework up to three days per week. Currently, 37 percent of NRECA's workforce is age 50+, with an average tenure of 11.8 years.
6. S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Winning years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
Industry: Industrial
Location: Racine, Wis.
URL: www.scjohnson.com
Highlights of 2009 Winning Strategies: This year marks S.C. Johnson & Son's fourth on AARP's annual list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. S.C. Johnson offers workers and retirees the same benefits and programs, which include a defined pension benefit plan and the S.C. Johnson JMBA Recreation and Fitness Center. This center offers health, wellness, and fitness programs and activities specifically or exclusively to retirees. The company actively maintains contact with retirees by communicating about events, celebrations, workshops, and temporary assignments. S.C. Johnson also formally recognizes retirees and employees for their contributions to the community.
