September 8, 2006

MGH selected as employer of choice for employees over 50

Dick Chevrette of MGH Police and Security (right) has been a proud MGHer for more than 35 years. Recently, as he approached the age of 60, he decided that he wanted to start reducing his work hours so he could spend more time with his family, becoming what he calls "semi-retired." Because the MGH offers many benefits to employees over the age of 50 — including flexible work hours — Chevrette could make this change in his schedule with the reassurance that his job was secure. "Reducing my hours gives me the ability to better plan my time off to be with my family. The hospital benefits by using my reduced hours for projects requiring only certain days or hours. My experience is put to good use when it is needed the most. This works well for me and the MGH," he says.

Chevrette's situation is just one example of the many ways the MGH values all employees, particularly those who are close to or beyond retirement age. The many benefits the MGH offers recently were recognized by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which is the leading nonprofit membership organization for people age 50 and over in the United States. The hospital was selected as one of the best employers in the country for workers over the age of 50, making the MGH one of two organizations in Massachusetts — along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — to earn this honor.

The AARP started this program six years ago to acknowledge companies and organizations that have programs and policies in place to address issues that affect an aging workforce. The MGH was selected because of the many programs and services the hospital offers that not only serve more mature workers but also are
valued by all employees. These include training and career development programs, health benefits for both current employees and retirees, a range of options for retirement savings plans, financial planning services, flexible work hours, accommodations made to work environments and many recognition awards and celebrations of service.

"The MGH's workforce over the age of 50 has continued to grow through retention of current employees and hiring new individuals over the age of 50," says Jeff Davis, senior vice president for MGH Human Resources. "We particularly value these staff members for their broad range of experience, knowledge and expertise and the added value they bring to the MGH community. Receiving this honor from the AARP further illustrates our commitment to being an employer that meets the worklife needs for all of our employees."