How are the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Selected?
By: AARP.org | Source: AARP.org | February 1, 2006
Employers interested in applying for the AARP “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” award must submit a comprehensive application that includes questions about their human resources practices and policies. Because policies that are good for mature workers are often beneficial for all, employers are not required to have programs dedicated exclusively to older employees. However, employers who can demonstrate that their programs are particularly valued by mature workers may receive additional credit during the evaluation process.
Areas of consideration include:
- 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
- Benefits for retirees
The Selection Process
- Applications submitted by the deadline are evaluated by an independent survey firm using evaluation guidelines developed by AARP's workforce experts and research staff in consultation with external labor experts.
- After the survey firm's review, the applications and initial ratings are sent to AARP and to an independent panel of judges.
- The panel of judges, comprised of private sector, nonprofit, and government labor experts, reviews the applications. The opinions of the judges, together with the initial rating, form each applicant's final rating.
- After the evaluation is complete, finalists are vetted to ensure that any organization recognized as one of the AARP “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” has practices that are generally consistent with AARP's public policies and values.
All applicants, including those who are honored and those who are not, are notified of the outcome and receive feedback comparing their scores to those of other applicants.
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