L.L.Bean Named as One of the 2008 Best Employers for Workers over 50 by AARP
L.L.Bean Ranks among Top 20
Portland, ME – A diverse group of forward-thinking employers, including L.L.Bean of Freeport has been named to the AARP list of 2008 Best Employers for Workers over 50. The award, now in its eighth year, was established by AARP to honor employers showing a commitment to a mature workforce.
"Corporations, educational institutions and health care employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative policies – such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, workplace accommodations – as they seek to retain and recruit experienced workers," said AARP State Director Nancy Kelleher while announcing Maine's winner.
"L.L.Bean has demonstrated progressive policies and programs for workers over 50, and has earned the honor," added Ms. Kelleher. "Their coming in number 20 on the list certainly speaks well of their accomplishments!"
L.L.Bean offers a variety of creative workplace programs, which offer older workers an opportunity to remain engaged in safe and friendly workplaces, maintain flexibility in their personal lives and earn supplemental income.
"We're pleased and excited to receive this national recognition by AARP," said Martha Cyr, Vice President of Human Resources. "At L.L.Bean we know that mature workers bring exemplary customer service skills, reliability and loyalty to the job. We especially rely on them to help us meet our seasonal business needs. They, in turn, enjoy the extra income and opportunity to stay engaged in the workplace on a part-time basis. It's a situation that benefits everyone."
Other employers that were acknowledged by AARP for their outstanding programs include Cornell University, which finished first; Scripps Health of San Diego, which finished second, and S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., of Racine, Wisconsin, third. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) became the first federal agency to receive the AARP honor since the program began in 2001. NIH finished eleventh.
L.L.Bean and the other awardees will be honored at a dinner on October 7 in Chicago. AARP The Magazine will feature the 2008 Best Employers in its November-December issue, in homes September 25, along with an extensive feature story on re-careering and discovering new passions at age 50+.
AARP invites employers to apply for the Best Employers honor by submitting an electronic application outlining their exemplary policies and practices toward workers 50 and over.
Candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers. Key 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; retiree work opportunities; and training and development.
The complete list can be found at aarp.org/bestemployers.
