Hiring freezes, more lay-offs, double digit unemployment and sluggish economic growth that translates into slow job creation. You’ve got to ask yourself, when is there going to be some on the job front? For workers over 50, these are particularly tense times, with many facing compromised retirement plans and uncertain futures. However, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) has just released their 50 Best Employers of People Over 50, and the results – and opportunities – may just surprise you.

The list cuts a wide swath through both the public and private sector, revealing opportunities in a job market that values employees with grey hair and gravitas. A look at the top ten employers give an illuminating snapshot of these employers. Educational institutions and health care organizations may be predictable entries, but financial institutions, not-for-profits and even high-tech corporations rank in the top fifty.

1. Cornell University – This is the second year at Number 1 for Cornell, where an unusually responsive Human Resources department works extra-hard to coordinate hiring and retirement policy with the university teaching, research and administrative staff.
2. First Horizon National Corporation - A Memphis-based financial services company, First Horizon gets high marks for their aggressive recruitment of older, experienced workers and some excellent benefits.
3. National Institutes of Health – NIH sets the gold standard in medical research and a high value is placed on job candidates’ experience. In addition, NIH offers some unique perks and a great, collegial environment.
4. The YMCA of Greater Rochester – This upstate New York town is known for innovation – think Kodak and Xerox – and the Rochester Y is no exception. A cross-generational mentoring program, a retiree-recruitment policy and providing assists like TTY equipment for hear-impaired workers is just part of the picture.
5. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association – Over 1/3 of the employees at this not-for-profit are over 50 and there is a full-time employee dedicated to retiree relations. Long-term employment is celebrated here and the employee benefits are excellent.
6. S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. – This family-owned company treats employees with unusual regard, including comprehensive benefits that include allowances for child and eldercare.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Not only is MIT a cutting-edge educational institution, they also have some pretty outstanding perks, including on-site or referral care for grandkids and elders.
8. Stanley Consultants – Great benefits, a terrific working environment and a policy of recruiting part-time workers from their retirement pool put this Iowa Company high on the list.
9. Brevard Public Schools – 44% of the staff is 50 plus, and the administration has created great flextime opportunities and phased retirement programs. A high percentage of Brevard retirees come back for part time employment.
10. George Mason University – The culture of GMU values mature employees and the university offers the university offers employees a life planning seminar series to project retirement and aging in place options.