Changing demographics and social trends are leading toward new perceptions in the workforce.  With a growing number of Baby Boomers nearing traditional retirement age, the loss of skilled talent within our Workforce is imminent.

The realization that mature workers bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and professionalism to the workplace is leading employers to re-think traditional retirement.  With the goal of maintaining the institutional knowledge within their organizations, one focus for many employers, as an important business practice, is to retain their experienced employees.   

Employers are also recognizing the value of having experienced volunteers in their organizations.  Mature workers can bring their same set of skills to organizations where they are engaged as volunteers, making a difference in their community through their contributions of time and talent.   

The employers that recognize the value of mature workers in both paid and unpaid roles are in turn being recognized by the State of Arizona.  These employers are pioneers in the ever-changing Arizona workforce and are being offered the Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification.

Due to an unforeseen technical problem, the 2010 Application time period for the Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification HAS BEEN EXTENDED and is now scheduled to remain open through Thursday, July 29th in order to accomodate all applicants.  

Please see below for more information and to access the on-line application.   

This certification was created to acknowledge employers that maintain policies, practices and programs consistent with employment of people age 50 and older based solely on their proficiency, qualifications and contribution, and on terms and conditions comparable to younger individuals.  Further, The Arizona Mature Worker Friendly Certification indicates an employer’s recognition of the unique value of age 50+ workers as well as their commitment to take action to provide meaningful employment, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay and benefits.

What are the Benefits of becoming a Mature Worker Friendly Employer?

In order to manage this process in a quality manner, and within available resources, please note that applications for the Arizona Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification are accepted for one time period each year.  

The 2010 application time period opened on May 17th and is now scheduled to remain open through July 29th.  Please see below to access the on-line employer application. 

The listing of many of the Employers that became Certified Mature Worker Friendly Employers in 2008 and 2009 can now be found on the Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employers page of this website.  2008 was the first year that this special certification was available to employers in Arizona.  Visit that page, and view the listing of many of those committed Employers from the first two years of this program!  

In order to receive the Arizona Mature Worker Friendly Certification, an employer will be required to:

1.  Complete the application; and

2.  Have the company's executive sign the Employer Pledge; and

3. Complete the required (2.5-hour) training (available on-line); and

4.  Agree to biennial training and reassessment

As noted, the application is one component of the certification process.  After the submission of the application, the employer will be asked to provide a CEO (or equivalent) signed copy of the Employer Pledge as part of the application process.  A formal and completed Employer Pledge, suitable for posting in the workplace, will be provided to the applicant at the conclusion of the certification process.

To view the Employer Pledge, click here

TO APPLY FOR THE MATURE WORKER FRIENDLY EMPLOYER CERTIFICATION by accessing the on-line application, CLICK HERE

When attending the employer training, applicants will find that the training information focuses on resources and activities that employer’s will want to consider when implementing the Employer Pledge within their organizations.

For the convenience of busy organizations and their leadership and staff, the required training is provided in an interactive, on-line, format with time available for group discussion and questions.  

The certification is valid for 2 years, after which employers will need to complete a renewal application and attend an additional training session in order to renew their certification.  The renewal application will include your assessment of how you have implemented the pledge since becoming a Certified Employer.

For any questions about the Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification, please contact:
Governor's Office on Aging
Attn: Mature Worker Friendly Employer Certification
1700 W. Washington St., Suite 240
Phoenix, AZ  85007

602.542.4710