Two Iowa companies are among the top 50 employers around the country named by A-A-R-P as best employers for workers over 50. A-A-R-P spokesperson Ann Black says The Principal Financial Group of Des Moines and Stanley Consultants of Muscatine won the recognition. She says the award “recognizes outstanding practices to meet the needs of an aging workforce.”

Black says that includes things like flexible scheduling, phased retirement, job sharing, telecommuting. Black says those over 50 make up a good labor pool.
Black says the research shows more “Baby Boomers” are willing to work beyond the traditional retirement age– which she says is good because a loss of those workers would leave a big gap in the workforce.

Black says companies appear to be catching on to the idea of using workers who’re more experienced. Black says more companies have applied for the recognition of the award year-after-year, which she says is great news for older workers.

Stanley Consultants was the top company among the 50 in 2005 and this year finished 12th, while the Principal Financial Group finished 16th. All the companies in the top 50 will be honored at a dinner in Chicago on September 21.

Radio Iowa