Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

For the second year in a row, Cornell University topped a list the 50 best employers for workers over 50, receiving kudos for meeting needs of the aging US workforce.

The AARP competition, launched in 2001, recognizes employers - including nonprofit, public companies and government agencies - that are developing progressive policies and practices at a time when older workers are increasing in size.

By 2016, one-third of the total US workforce will be age 50 or older, up from 28 percent in 2007. As a result, attracting and retaining experienced employees is crucial for employers who seek to retain their competitive edge.

Some of the winners are offering continuing education opportunities and family caregiving assistance, among other programs. 

Joining Cornell in the top 10 were: First Horizon National Corp., National Institutes of Health, The YMCA of Greater Rochester, National Rural Electric Cooperative Assoc., S.C. Johnson & Son, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanley Consultants, Brevard Public Schools and George Mason University. See the full list.

Many names are repeat winners, with some employers improving their status on the list.  That includes First Horizon National Corp., which  moved to second in 2009 from seventh in 2008, and the National Institutes of Health, leapfrogging to third from 11th last year. MIT also cracked the top 10 in 2009 after placing 14th last year.

One of the biggest shifts came from Nevada-based Flex Work and Health Options, which moved to 14th place from 41st place last year. The company, which offers workers the choice between four health insurance plans, did not raise health care costs for employees this year - a difficult practice that has resulted in greater staff retention. 

Winning Criteria
In creating the list, AARP considered each employers' recruiting practices; opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job-sharing and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; and benefits for retirees.

For its part, Cornell earned praise for phased retirement for faculty and staff, an on-site wellness program, paid days off for family caregiving, a university-subsidized prescription drug plan and free Cornell education for retirees. 

"Winning this recognition from the AARP for 2009 is particularly gratifying, as we have worked aggressively to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse workforce while addressing our financial challenges," said Mary Opperman, vice president for human resources at Cornell.

New programs and services for employees 50 and older at Cornell also are in the works, including a retiree Web site, and the "Encore Cornell" program that will help Cornell retirees obtain temporary on-site and remote employment opportunities with the university. Encore Cornell is expected to launch this fall.

SC Johnson, No. 6 on the 2009 list, was another repeat winner as more than 35 percent of its workforce is over the age of 50. The company was applauded for offering retirees and workers the same benefits and programs, which include a defined pension benefit plan, health, wellness and recreation programs, and continued work opportunities. The average tenure for an SC Johnson employee over 50 is 23 years.

The company continually looks for way to "improve our work environment and adjust to the changing needs of our employees and retirees," said Gayle Kosterman, SC Johnson's executive vice president of worldwide human resources.