UK Named Among AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 30, 2006) – The University of Kentucky is one of 50 employers around the country named today by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as one of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The award, now in its sixth year, was established by AARP to honor employers showing a commitment to an aging workforce.

 

“The university is deeply honored to be recognized by such a well-respected national advocacy organization,” said UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. “In recent years, we have worked hard to expand our benefits for all our employees, and it is quite gratifying that those efforts are being noted on the national level. Making sure that our employees’ needs – both in the workplace and with their families at home – are met contributes to our efforts to become a Top 20 university.”

 

Key areas considered by the AARP included: 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 benefits, and age diversity of the workforce. UK was recognized in particular for offering continued, flexible work opportunities for both active employees and retirees, as well as a comprehensive benefits package well suited for older and younger workers alike.

 

UK was ranked 30th among the 50 award recipients, which included Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

“It is exciting to recognize the University of Kentucky as a winner of this year's AARP award for Best Employers for Workers Over 50,” said Bill Harned, the president of AARP-Kentucky.

 

“This prize says UK values its employees in the 50+ age group. It takes perception and innovation by employers to realize the benefits of hiring and retaining workers 50+. The University of Kentucky is showing the way. Congratulations to UK in being AARP's top Kentucky employer for workers over 50 for 2006.”

 

Harned added that while many firms value 50+ workers for their experience, motivation, and strong engagement, other employers need to recognize the advantages that those workers bring to the table.

 

Across the country, 60 percent of the winners in the search come from the health care sector, including hospitals, and 64 percent are either private, nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations.

 

UK and the other awardees will be honored at a dinner in Chicago on Sept. 21.  In connection with the event, AARP will convene a working conference of employers the next day to identify challenges – and solutions – associated with the aging of the workforce. AARP The Magazine will feature the Best Employers winners in its November-December issue.

 

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.