Durham Regional Hospital
Durham Regional Named One of AARP 2007 Best Employers for Workers Over 50
Durham Regional Hospital is one of 50 companies in the U.S. to be named AARP 2007 Best Employers for Workers over 50. With this designation, Durham Regional is recognized across the country for demonstrating that enlightened policies toward 50+ employees make good business sense.
Employers apply for the Best Employers honor by submitting an application outlining their exemplary policies and practices toward 50 and over workers. "The AARP designation is an honor for which all Durham Regional employees can be proud," says Richard Walsh, Phd, chief human resources officer. "Durham Regional was evaluated based on numerous criteria. Our outstanding benefits package, as part of Duke University Health System, practices and work environment, have earned us this distinction with other companies who are nationally known for their employee-friendly work culture."
According to AARP, applicants undergo extensive assessment and review prior to final selections. 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 benefits; and age diversity of the workforce.
Lynne Mitchell, Human Resources assistant director, explains the application process. "All Durham Regional employees who are 40 years and older received a survey this Spring to help measure the strength of certain organizational competencies and relationships that directly impact and influence our organization's culture. In addition, we submitted a 45-page document outlining our practices," says Mitchell. "This recognition is a source of great pride for us."
"Employers that take a world class approach in their policies toward 50 and over workers understand that the result is more productive employees," adds Bob Jackson, AARP state director. "It is important that more employers — both large and small — recognize what tremendous assets 50 and over employees represent because of the skill and experience they bring to the workplace."
With this recognition, Durham Regional Hospital (#31) joins the ranks of other companies who were acknowledged for their forward thinking policies including the Principal Financial Group (# 9), John Deere (# 27) and University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (#40).
Learn more about this special recognition in the November-December issue of AARP The Magazine or visit
www.aarp.org.
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