Baptist Health is among 15 employers in the nation recognized by AARP as Best Companies for Workers over 50. This is the second year AARP has given the award, and the second year for Baptist Health to be honored. AARP, the non-profit membership organization for people 50 and over, cited Baptist Health as a best company for older workers for polices including flexible work schedules for those who want to phase into retirement, training, pension and health benefits and recruitment.

Baptist Health was also named to Working Mother magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers." This is the eleventh year Baptist has received this honor.

"We're thrilled with this national recognition. We're committed to making sure Baptist Health is a great place to work for employees of all ages," said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of the not-for-profit healthcare organization. Keeley said that, "We don't make widgets. We provide a very intimate and human service- healthcare. We want to take care of our employees as they care for our patients. We work hard to offer all employees exceptional benefits and pay. We recognize the importance of helping employees juggle home and work responsibilities. We respect and support the needs of our employees, whether it's a working parent with a toddler who needs child care, or an older worker who wants to work fewer hours a week instead of retiring."

Baptist Health includes Baptist, Baptist Children's, South Miami, Homestead and Mariners Hospitals, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services. Seventy-seven percent of employees are women; 23 percent of employees are over age 50.

AARP lauded 15 employers for their policies and practices affecting employees age 50-plus. "At a time of widespread reports of questionable corporate practices, these companies have shown a better side of business," said AARP President James Parkel.

AARP's criteria for the awards include recruiting (including former or retired employees), corporate culture (career development and training), continued opportunities, compensation, benefits (including health insurance), and retirement. AARP initiated its exemplary practices search by inviting employers to outline their innovative policies toward 50 and older workers. An outside group of experts on aging workforce issues assisted in the development of the criteria. A research consulting firm analyzed the individual applications and recommended the top choices. Companies with 50 or more employees were eligible to apply.

In compiling the 17th annual "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" list, Working Mother magazine editors focused on how well companies provide their employees with benefits such as flexible schedules and programs for women's advancement.

The editors also looked at post-Sept. 11 trends in the workplace. "Post-Sept. 11, work/life initiatives have taken on even greater significance, with programs from employee assistance to telecommuting," said Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media. "Employees want to have flexibility to deal with family needs on a day-to-day basis, as well as in an emergency."

Baptist Health's emphasis on its employees has resulted in lower turnover and vacancy rates, in spite of a global nursing shortage. "Our vacancy and turnover rates are half that of industry standards," Keeley said. The health system's average turnover rate is 10 percent, and the vacancy rate is 7 percent.

Keeley cited several efforts aimed at keeping and recruiting the best employees. These include wage increases that make Baptist Health among the highest-paying hospital systems in South Florida; keeping health plan premiums for employees as low as possible; improvements to the retirement plan to be implemented Oct. 1; the involvement of Employee Advisory Groups as a way for management to recognize employees and involve them in decision-making; and frequent celebrations and programs to recognize employees who excel. Baptist Health currently providing more than 400 people – many of them employees--with full scholarships for nursing and other healthcare degrees through its Baptist Health Scholars Program. Nursing classes are offered on the hospital campus.

"While employees at many companies are seeing a cutback in benefits and pay, Baptist Health continues to find ways to make this a great place to work," Keeley said.

Go to AARPs website.

Go to Working Mother's website.