Avera McKennan is Chosen as a Best Employer for Workers over 50 by AARP
SIOUX FALLS (Sept. 7, 2011) – Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center has been named a winner of the 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Award.
Each year, AARP selects 50 employers that have demonstrated exemplary practices with regard to recruitment, retention and promotion of older workers. The AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program awards businesses and organizations that have implemented new and innovative policies and best practices in attracting and retaining top talent in today's multigenerational workforce.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this AARP program recognizes that a growing number of U.S. employers are developing progressive policies and practices that are meeting the needs of the country's aging workforce. By 2016, one-third of the total U.S. workforce will be age 50 or older, up from 28 percent in 2007.
“Avera McKennan’s goal is to be the employer of choice for talented and skilled workers, regardless of their age,” said Bill McLean, senior vice president for Human Resources at Avera McKennan. “We highly value our workers over 50 for a number of reasons, including their strong work ethic and sense of values, vast life experience, wisdom, common sense, and professional skill.”
Programs at Avera McKennan which are attractive to older workers include flexible work environments and scheduling, educational opportunities, life and health benefits, retirement plan, a commitment to work-life balance, and an excellent employee health program. Avera McKennan develops partnerships, for example, with Sioux Falls’ Center for Active Generations, to cultivate contacts with prospective employees. For retirees and others who wish to make a meaningful contribution to their community, Avera McKennan involves more than 1,000 volunteers in many varied opportunities.
“Avera McKennan has demonstrated exemplary policies toward older workers and well deserves this honor,” said Sarah Jennings, state director for AARP South Dakota. “Their progressive policies meet the needs of mature workers and benefit their organization as well.”
“It is incredibly encouraging to see that nearly one third of Avera McKennan’s employees are 50+. With flexible work options such as temporary assignments, consulting or contract work and a workplace culture that values the experience of the mature worker, it’s clear why the average tenure for employees over the age of 50 is nine years. That’s extraordinary,” said Jennings.
Names of the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 will be published in AARP The Magazine, which is distributed to more than 24 million households.
