CHH Listed Among AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
Last updated: 09/30/2006
For the second consecutive year, Cabell Huntington Hospital was included on the list of 50 employers nationwide that earned AARP's "Best Employers for Workers Over 50" award. This recognition is based on AARP's evaluation of Cabell Huntington Hospital?s human resources practices and policies.
AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 is an annual recognition program that acknowledges companies and organizations whose policies and programs are particularly valued by mature workers. Employers who demonstrate that their programs address aging workforce issues are considered for the designation.
Areas that AARP pays particular attention to include recruiting practices, training opportunities and career development, workplace accommodations, alternative work options such as flexible scheduling and phased retirement, employee health and pension benefits and retiree benefits. "Despite the perception of the older years as a time of relaxation or inactivity, many older adults continue to actively work here at Cabell to improve the communities and help those in need," said Barry Tourigny, director of Human Resources for Cabell Huntington Hospital. "We are honored to be recognized by AARP, and are excited about the opportunity to spread the word about the good works of our most senior staff. We encourage others to seek employment opportunities."
On its website, AARP lists the following Cabell Huntington Hospital benefits as reasons for Cabell Huntington Hospital's selection for the list.
- Recruiting: The hospital uses senior placement agencies to target mature workers.
- Workplace Culture/Continued Opportunities: The hospital offers the following learning and development programs to its full- and part-time employees: tuition reimbursement in-house classroom training, certification classes, customer service training and annual safety training. Employees are often asked to serve on different boards, committees and teams which ultimately gives the employee a better understanding of the hospital while gaining experience and skills. Long-service anniversaries are celebrated with announcements, parties, gifts, and awards.
- Benefits/Health: Full- and part-time employees (working at least 16 hrs/week) receive individual and family medical coverage, individual and family prescription drug coverage, and individual and family dental insurance. Retirees under age 65 are offered individual as well as spouse medical and prescription drug coverage. Retirees over age 65 are offered individual medical and prescription drug coverage. All of the above retiree benefits are offered to new hires upon retirement.
- Benefits/Financial: The hospital offers a defined benefit and a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its full- and part-time employees. Employees age 50 and over can make 'catch-up' contributions to their 401(k) account. The following wellness programs are offered to full- and part-time employees: flu shots, health screenings, and health club discounts.
- Benefits/Alternative Work Arrangements: The hospital offers the following alternative work arrangements to its full and part-time employees: flex time, compressed work schedules, job sharing, and telecommuting. Full-time employees are eligible to move to part-time work on a temporary basis.
- Opportunities for Retirees: The hospital currently has 329 retirees. The hospital stays connected with its retirees by communicating with them on a regular basis, inviting retirees to organization events and formally acknowledging retirees on the occasion of their retirement. Retirees are offered the following work arrangements: casual employment (working up to eight hours per week), temporary work assignments, consulting/contract work, telecommuting, and part- and full-time work.
- Age of Workforce: Twenty-seven percent of the hospital?s employees are 50 and over. Twenty-seven percent of the hospital's past twelve month new hires are 50 and over. The average tenure of employees age 50 and over is 16 years.
In addition, Cabell Huntington Hospital's retired nursing staff often work on an as needed basis through the hospital's Float Pool. The Float Pool nurses receive premium pay rates, and are able to work as little or as often as they prefer. The average tenure of employees age 50 and over is 16 years.