2013 Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Announced

Local companies top the list of the recipients of the 2013 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award, cosponsored by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The 50 winners were announced on June 17, 2013, at the SHRM annual conference in Chicago.

Since its inception in 2001, this award has recognized employers who are ahead of the curve. Award winners have set outstanding examples through programs that help them retain, retrain, engage and recruit the older workers who will be increasingly crucial to their success and the success of the U.S. economy over the coming decade.

The list of 2013 winners includes employers from a variety of industry sectors, including for-profit and nonprofit, health care, universities, financial services, construction, aerospace, and federal and county government.

See a  complete list of the 2013 winners.

We’re betting that employees who work for one of the AARP  Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award winners aren’t shy about telling others what makes their workplace so good. This unique awards program, cosponsored for the first time by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), recognizes businesses and organizations that are the opposite of the  Office Space movie.

S&T Bank located in Indiana, PA ranked #16 employees participating in the ‘Wellness Rewards Program’ have the opportunity to earn funds for their Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).  Points (which convert into dollars) are earned by completing wellness related activities focusing on lifestyle improvement, condition management, and preventative care.  Employees earn points by getting a flu shot, having a BMI or Biometric screening, attending the organizations Health Fair, getting a physical exam, completing a walkathon/race, or getting personal nutrition coaching.

Saint Vincent Health System (SVHS) located in Erie, PA ranked #26 employees automatically become members of the Retired Saint Vincent Valued Pacesetters (RSVP) program upon retirement.  Retirees are rehired through the program and those participating in phased retirement can work up to 1,000 hours per year, receive their pension benefit, and continue their health, dental, and vision benefits as well as contribute to their 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

Swarthmore College located in Swarthmore, PA ranked #34 hosts an annual staff development week which gives employees opportunities to improve various skills and network with peers. Mature employees benefit from the technology workshops which provide education on software, creating web pages, working readers, tablets, and smart phones. Retirees retain access to the college’s athletic facilities and swimming pool.

University of Pittsburgh located in Pittsburgh, PA ranked #44 professional development workshop, ‘Please Respect My Generation’, presents methods for bridging the gap between generations and shows participants how to avoid conflict and increase productivity in their generationally diverse workplaces.

Pinnacle Health System located in Harrisburg, PA ranked #48 employees can retire, draw a full pension, and then be rehired the next day to work a maximum of 24 hours per week while maintaining group medical, dental, life insurance, and accrued time-off benefits.  Employees participating in the Wellness Works Initiative receive a discount on their health insurance premiums.  Employees must complete a health risk assessment, biometrics screening, age/sex specific diagnostic tests, an annual physical, and sanctioned health and wellness activities to receive the discount.

CheapCaribbean.com located in Doylestown, PA ranked #50 demonstrates that it values its employees’ health and wellness. Wellness programs offered to all employees include: flu shots, health screenings, health risk appraisals, smoking cessation programs, health club discounts, physical activity and weight loss programs, blood pressure management, flu clinic, massages and cancer screenings, as well as stress management training.  Thirty percent of the company’s employees utilized at least one of these wellness programs during a recent 12- month period.  The company has also implemented a mentoring program so valuable knowledge can be shared among a multigenerational workforce.

“AARP improves opportunities for older workers by spotlighting employers that have implemented programs that help retain, retrain, engage and recruit mature workers,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. “These Pennsylvania companies know that recruiting and retaining 50-plus workers is smart business.”