Employers focusing on pensions and other benefits of interest to older workers
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation, RBC and Shell are among the top employers for older workers, according to the publishers of Canada's Top 100 Employers.
The 2010 list of the Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 highlights a growing trend by employers to focus on benefits that are becoming important to a rapidly maturing workforce.
"We are definitely seeing more attention being paid to issues such as pensions and benefits of interest to Canadians in the second half of their careers," said Richard Yerema, the project's editor. "Working Canadians are increasingly aware of the significant differences among employers when it comes to the benefits that are important to employees over 40."
Now in its ninth year, the Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 competition is organized by the editors of the Canada's Top 100 Employers at Mediacorp Canada and recognizes the best workplaces for older Canadians. These employers are Canada's leaders in creating special programs and benefits for employees over 40 years of age.
For the competition, each employer is evaluated on whether
• they offer interesting programs designed to assist older workers
• they actively recruit new workers aged 40 years or older
• their HR policies take into account the unique concerns of older workers, such as by recognizing prior work experience at previous employers in determining vacation entitlement
• they offer a pension plan with reasonable employer contributions
• they assist older employees with retirement and succession planning
• they create opportunities for retirees to stay socially connected to former co-workers through organized social activities and volunteering
• they extend health coverage and similar benefits to employees after retirement
• whether they offer any programs, such as mentorship and phased-in retirement, to ease the emotional challenges of retirement and ensure older employees' skill sets are transferred to the next generation.
"The Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 award reflects BDC's recognition of the value experienced individuals bring to our team and our goal of meeting the needs of Canadian entrepreneurs," said Mary Karamanos, senior vice-president of human resources at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
"We recognize the contribution of mature workers, including retirement-eligible BDC employees who have much to give and share. Our goal is to provide our experienced employees with opportunities that allow them to share their knowledge and skills and to be a part of BDC's ongoing success."
Top Employers for Canadians Over 40:
British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Kamloops, B.C.
Business Development Bank of Canada, Montreal
Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Ottawa
CH2M HILL Canada, Toronto
New Flyer Industries Canada, Winnipeg
Ontario Public Service, Toronto
PCL Constructors, Edmonton
RBC, Toronto
Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Regina
Shell Canada, Calgary
