AARP Seeks Best Employers

HARTFORD — AARP is accepting applications for its annual program that identifies and honors the nation’s employers who create the best working environment and exemplary policies and practices for employees aged 50 and older.

Now in its fifth year, AARP’s award for Best Employers for Workers over 50 is the only one of its kind in the country. The award focuses on employers who are addressing the changing needs of workers as they age in the workplace. Companies must have 50 employees or more to qualify.

Since the awards were first established in 2001, 88 companies have been recognized nationally. Two honorees are from Connecticut: The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc in Hartford was selected in 2002 and Pitney Bowes, Inc in Stamford in 2004.

The Best Employers program rewards innovative organizations that offer policies and features that appeal to workers 50+, including flexible work options, training/learning opportunities, and age-neutral performance and appraisal systems.

Employers are invited to apply by visiting www.aarp.org/bestemployers. Applicants are asked to describe their practices toward workers aged 50 and older in a comprehensive questionnaire. This year, AARP is also bestowing a new award, the AARP Bernard E. Nash Award. This award recognizes employers with innovative practices in the areas of recruitment flexible work options of the rehiring of retirees.

A consulting firm will perform the preliminary rating of responses. then a panel of outside judges — including human resources experts, academics ,and experts on aging workforce issues — will select the finalists. Deadline for applications is February 28.

The AARP Best Employers for Workers over 50 will be announced this fall followed by a dinner honoring the winners in Chicago in September.