AARP Honors Companies As Best For Workers Over 50

WASHINGTON -- Some companies allow workers to retire in phases, provide age diversity training for managers or even offer day care for the grandchildren of employees.

AARP says because of programs like these, the group has named 35 employers that are the best ones for workers 50 and older. They're companies that work hard to recruit and retain older workers -- and that treat them right.

AARP said more industries will need to wake up to the realities of an aging work force. The group said 14 percent of workers are now 55 or older, and that's expected to jump to 19 percent by 2012.

"The winning employers stand as exemplary models for others who have yet to plan for the graying of their workforce," said Deborah Russell, who directs the Best Employers program for AARP. "The creative practices today's winners have in place may well evolve in the future, but the 2004 Best Employers give us high standards to strive for."

The list is dominated by health-care providers, such as Beaumont Hospitals and Scripps Health. Several financial services firms and insurance companies also have won honors.

Twelve of the awardees are hospitals, four are in financial services, and three are providers of insurance. Two of the award recipients, Principal Financial Group and Adecco Employment Services, were selected for the third consecutive year. Twelve others are two-time honorees.

Companies were evaluated on recruitment practices, continuing opportunities for advancement, flexible work schedules and benefits for current and retired employees.

Thirty-five companies nationwide were selected for this year's list.

Applications are now available for the 2005 Best Employer competition at www.aarp.org/bestemployers (launching early September). The 2005 application will seek to determine employers of choice by, among other things, highlighting those who provide flexible work options, operate creative recruitment programs and rehire retirees. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28, 2005.