NEW ORLEANS – AARP announced today that Ochsner Health System has been named one of its Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program honors businesses and organizations across the country that have implemented new and innovative policies and best practices in talent management in today’s multigenerational workforce.
According to AARP, by 2016, one-third of the total U.S. workforce will be age 50 or older, up from 28 percent in 2007. As the percentage of younger workers continues to decline, attracting and retaining mature, experienced employees is becoming increasingly important for employers who seek to fill critical skill shortages and retain their competitive edge in today's marketplace. Through its Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program, AARP seeks to share employers' best practices with the business community at large and to promote employment opportunities for older workers.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s top employers for mature workers,” said Joan Mollohan, senior vice president of human resources, Ochsner Health System. “This AARP award affirms that employees of all ages thrive in a supportive, loyal work environment in which career development and personal growth is valued. Ochsner is proud to be such a place.”
AARP’s selection process was based on areas on numerous areas of consideration, including 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; and benefits for retirees.
Among Ochsner’s unique workplace benefits are a tuition assistance program, access to an employee emergency assistance fund, telecommuting and paid hours for internal job interviews. Internal education is emphasized, with a variety of courses and instructional modes to allow employees at all levels of experience and tenure to continue to expand their skill sets.
Ochsner’s focus on health, wellness and overall well-being affords employees discounted membership at Elmwood Fitness Centers, participation in the Virgin HealthMiles program, stress-management classes and smoking cessation assistance. Many Ochsner retirees stay “in the family” and participate in Ochsner volunteer and community outreach events, such as volunteering in the hospitals or participating in Ochsner’s Golden Opportunity program.
Ochsner Health System will be featured in AARP The Magazine’s November issue along with the complete list of 2011 Best Employers of Workers Over 50. For more information, please visit AARP.org.
###
Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 15 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Subscribe to the Ochsner Health System News RSS Feed
