Scripps Honored by AARP as a Top Place to Work for People Over Age 50

In addition to an array of alternative work arrangements such as flex-time, a phased retirement program, and a formal job rotation program, Scripps has a strong wellness program and generous health benefits for employees under and over age 50.

“More than two-thirds of our staff members take advantage of the health benefits and wellness programs,” said Victor Buzachero, corporate senior vice president for innovation, human resources and performance management. “These benefits include flu shots, health screenings and risk appraisals, smoking cessation programs, health club discounts, physical activity and weight loss programs, on-site massages, stress management training, and much more.”

When she is not dashing around the hospital making sure that everything is running smoothly, Scripps operations supervisor Sue Mann, RN, can be found training for marathons and working out at the gym. Mann, 58, has been with Scripps for 33 years, first starting out as an ICU nurse and then, 14 years ago, changing jobs to a nursing supervisor. Mann, an avid runner, credits the Scripps Wellness Program with helping keep her in marathon-ready shape.

“Over the years, I’ve taken advantage of the fitness center, yoga classes and chair massages offered by Scripps. But probably the best benefit of all is receiving free health care benefits when I take part in the Scripps Wellness Program,” said Mann.

Mann says she is also grateful for the generous paid time off benefits that Scripps offers, which will provide her with the opportunity to participate in marathons later this year in both Portugal and Scotland.

“Scripps has been very good to me. I truly look forward to coming to work, but am also grateful that Scripps gives me the support and flexibility to pursue my outside passions,” said Mann.

Any U.S.-based employer with at least 50 employees is eligible to apply for the Best Employers award. 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 retirement benefits, and retiree work opportunities.

“AARP improves opportunities for older workers by spotlighting employers that have implemented programs that help retain, retrain, engage and recruit mature workers,” said Jean Setzfand, AARP’s vice president for financial security. “These Best Employers know that recruiting and retaining 50-plus workers is smart business.”

“In short, they listen to the needs and wants of their older workers,” Setzfand added.

The top Best Employers this year will be profiled in the August-September issue of AARP The Magazine. Accompanying that salute will be a feature article that explores the strengths of older workers.

For a full list and for more information on the 2013 Best Employers, please go to www.aarp.org/bestemployers, which includes background on employers’ workforce practices and a description of the selection process. For more information on AARP’s resources for older workers, visit www.aarp.org/workresources.

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