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The Best Companies for Older Workers
By Maggie Pouncey
At the 15 best places to work after 50, company policy isn't the same old thing
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When 61-year-old John Fernandez applied for a key job with Baptist Health South Florida, his age became a factor.
A positive factor.
With 20 years in the military and another 20 in human resources, Fernandez's experience gave him a huge edge over the competition. "Quite simply, it meant they wouldn't have to train me," says Fernandez, who was hired on as director of human resources.
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A gift of time
While Cheryl Cottrell, 51, fought a brain tumor, Baptist Health's Mariners Hospital in Florida kept her job open for her. |
Unlike the situation at many other companies, hitting 60 is no big deal at Baptist Health. That's one reason why, for the second year, the company rose to the top of AARP's survey list of "Best Companies for Workers Over 50." Baptist—a not-for-profit, faith-based organization not formally associated with the Baptist Church—excelled in each of AARP's assessment areas: recruiting, benefits, corporate culture, wages and salaries, continued opportunity, and retirement.
Baptist Health was founded in 1990 and operates five hospitals, outpatient diagnostic and surgical facilities, and home health-care services. It's open to all religious denominations. As with the other companies listed here, much of what makes it a great place for older workers makes it great for workers of any age. Working Mother magazine named Baptist 10 times to its annual "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" survey. Fortune named Baptist twice as one of its "100 Best Companies to Work for in America."
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How We Picked the Top Companies
AARP staff prepared an application that covered six key categories: recruiting, corporate culture, wages/salaries, continued opportunity, benefits, and retirement. They analyzed the applications and chose finalists from among 37 employer entries. The finalists were reviewed by four outside experts:
- David Gamse, executive director at the Jewish Council for the Aging;
- Helen Dennis, a lecturer at the University of Southern California's Andrus Gerontology Center;
- Dallas Salisbury, CEO of the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute; and
- Gordon Silcox, senior vice president of Manchester, Inc., a human-resources consulting firm.
The judges' comments figured heavily in the final list.
Companies interested in applying next year can pre-register online at www.aarp.org/bestcompanies.
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"The purpose of this survey is to highlight those [companies] where workers over 50 can feel that they are really welcomed," says Gordon Silcox, senior vice president of client services for human-resources consultants Manchester Inc., and one of the judges who analyzed the data. Silcox says, "Baptist Health put their policies in place to do that. They don't just give it lip service."
Creative Recruiting
In response to the current nursing shortage, Baptist Health created its Scholars Program. Eligible students of all ages receive $2,500 per semester for three semesters at a state or community college nursing program, plus a stipend for books and fees. In return, graduates commit to working at a Baptist facility for a year. Wes Pullar, 55, a former fishing boat charter captain, was in the first scholars class. "I'm frequently running into people who have been [working here] more than 20 years," Pullar says. "That says a lot."
Flexible Benefits
Baptist Health lets employees work fewer hours, work from home, or sometimes customize a schedule. "I was able to cut down to three days a week," says pharmacist Fred Golden, 75. "At some places, you have to quit when you're 60 or 65; then, if you want part-time you have to scrounge around and maybe work in a grocery store." You get full benefits if you work as few as 20 hours a week (even enlightened companies usually demand at least 30). Another plus: Employees needing emergency time off can tap a paid bank donated by co-workers.
Age-Friendly Culture
Many companies consider training a perk for the young. Here, workers of all ages are encouraged to take on-site training. A seminar on age diversity in the workplace is available to managers.
Fair Compensation
Baptist Health conducts 30 to 40 salary surveys a year to make sure its wages are competitive. "The pay is excellent," says 62-year-old Joanne Granata, R.N., who got a surprise pay increase within a month of moving to Baptist this spring.
Continuing Growth
Older workers are viewed as a resource, not a liability. Experienced nurses who mentor newer colleagues don't just get a pat on the back—they get a $200 bonus.
Retirement on Your Terms
Retirement benefits begin at 55 with 10 years service, the company's contributions to retirement plans are above industry averages, and there are group health plans for retirees. Employees ease into retirement with part-time or per diem work. What it all adds up to is a feeling that you're wanted, even when you have one foot out the door. Joanne Granata and her husband, Franklin (also 62 and an R.N. at Baptist), plan to cruise their 32-foot sailboat around the Caribbean when they retire at 65, but they also know that a post-cruise return to work is possible. "They'll take you back," says Joanne.
Additional reporting provided by Jean-Noel Bassior.
Now, check out 10 job ideas for older workers, plus 7 tips for an older worker's resume, at the AARP Bulletin website.
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