::::::::::::: Hot Jobs / 2009 :::::::::::::
Workplaces That Value You
AARP recognizes the country’s Best Employers for
Workers Over 50 By LESLIE QUANDER WOOLDRIDGE
2. First Horizon
National Corporation
Memphis, Tennessee / Financial Services / first
horizon.com / 6,265 employees ( 27 50+)
This bank holding company offers a
program that gives each employee about
$1,650 in extra pretax income for
health and child-care expenses and
retirement—great for older workers
who need to boost savings. Plus, staff
get free advice from certified financial
planners, and part-timers working at
least 20 hours a week receive full-time
benefits after one year of service.
With more older workers delaying retirement— 65 percent of
workers 45+ say they plan to work longer if the economy doesn’t
improve—our list of top employers has special relevance this year.
Our 2009 winners come from an eclectic mix of industries but
include more employers from the public sector than ever before.
Each employer is recruiting and retaining 50+ workers with innovative programs and perks that can produce a happier, healthier, more financially secure staff. Take a look at our Top 10.
3. National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland / Federal Government /
nih.gov / 17,924 employees (39% 50+)
NIH’s focus is biomedical research, but
employees can trade labs for leisure
with the agency’s after-work recreation
clubs. An example? The Bethesda Little
Theatre group lets NIH staff become
thespians, with show proceeds benefiting NIH’s patient emergency fund.
Workers can also get up to $60,000 in
student-loan repayment, along with
tuition reimbursement for job-related
classes. And eligible retirees keep their
health insurance—with their coverage
guaranteed for life.
1. Cornell University
Ithaca, New York / Education, Postsecondary /
cornell.edu / 10,631 employees (36% 50+)
This Ivy League school gets top marks
for the second year in a row. Its well-
ness programs include everything
from life coaching to caregiver support
groups, and workers looking for new
challenges can transfer to other on-
campus gigs. Cornell also makes a con-
tribution to each employee’s 403(b)
plan that’s equal to 10 percent of his or
her annual salary. Our favorite benefit:
After you’ve worked at Cornell for four
years, classes for your kids (if they’re
accepted to the school) are half off.
4. YMCA of Greater Rochester
Rochester, New York / Private Nonprofit / roch
esterymca.org / 2,524 employees (19% 50+)
One in four workers employed by this
YMCA has been here for at least 15
years. They can take free classes, from
yoga to tai chi, and get health-risk appraisals. Fun is a major focus: the annual campsite picnic lets workers soak
their bosses in a dunking booth. In addition, staff get real retirement help: a
sum equal to 12 percent of their salaries
is paid into their 403(b) plans.
