THE NEW RETIREMENT: A PARADIGM SHIFT
Tuesday, January 6, 2016
THE NEW RETIREMENT: PARADIGM SHIFT
BY GLORIA DUNN-VIOLIN
brain has accumulated a wealth of experience; and verbal, cognitive and social skills. At the same time, this “seasoned” brain continues to absorb new information and expand the ability of an older worker to do more. Add the ingredients of a welcoming work environment and creative job challenges—and you have engaged older employees who will forgo retirement and continue to work. Scripps Health is an employer who understands the importance of holding on to their mature workers. Thirty-six percent of their employees are age 50-plus with an average tenure of 15 years. This healthcare system has 425 retirees and employs a team member that is directly responsible for overseeing retiree relations. Scripps stays connected with its retirees by communicating with them on a regular basis. Retirees are invited to organizational events, provided ongoing access to retirement-planning workshops, and formally acknowledged when they retire. Plus, this healthcare system hires former experienced employees through the Scripps Alumni Program. Retirees can also participate in employment opportunities such as temporary work assignments, consulting or contract work, and telecommuting — as well as full-time and part-time work. In addition, Scripps’ approach also offers these advantages: 1. Provides health benefits for retirees age 65-plus, which include access to health care insurance and wellness programs. EAP services are available to full-time and part-time employees as well as their family members. 2. Offers employees age 50-plus a way to catch-up contributions to their 403(b) plan, and invest in lifecycle funds that automatically reallocate assets based on age or proximity to retirement. 3. Encourages mature employees to attend Scripps Financial Fairs and Retirement/Financial Planning Seminars, which provide information on topics such as asset allocation, planning for retirement, and navigating financial website tools. 4. Implements alternative work arrangements such as flextime, compressed work schedules, job sharing, and telecommuting for employees working 16-plus hours per week. All employees can elect to participate in a formal phased retirement program. Full-time employees are eligible to move to part-time work on a permanent or temporary basis. Businesses will need to re-evaluate their strategies and incorporate new practices to retain the people who helped them achieve their current successes — those about to retire. As potential retirees transition their know-how to a younger generation of employees, they will help ensure the sustainability of the company and long-term viability of the company’s products and services.
The New Retirement: A Paradigm Shift is a recurring column by Gloria Dunn-Violin (415-259-7090, havingalifenow.com, [email protected]). She is a certified retirement life coach, professional speaker and a business consultant. She has over 25 years experience in organizational behavior and development as a trainer, facilitator, consultant and coach. She also advises financial, insurance, and other businesses on how to provide their clients and employees with meaningful advice about aging and retirement.