Amy’s Bread in New York City has been named a finalist in the 2015 Age Smart Employer Awards, according to an announcement from The Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center. The award, in its second year, recognizes New York City businesses and nonprofit organizations that use policies and practices that help to hire, retain, and engage four generations of workers. The 13 finalists named today are based in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens and include:

Large Businesses (100+ employees)

Amy’s Bread—a bread and pastry bakery, featuring three retail cafes and distribution to over 250 wholesale customers daily throughout New York City

Brooks Brothers, LIC Factory—the facility that manufactures the neckties and bowties—1.5 million ties a year—for this world-renown oldest clothing retailer in the U.S.

CBRE—the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company

North Bronx Healthcare Network—serves the Bronx Community by providing high-quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay, through the Jacobi Medical Center and North Central Bronx Hospital

Small Businesses (less than 100 employees)

Ben’s Best Kosher Delicatessen—a restaurant and catering business in Rego Park, Queens

Indiana Market & Catering—a high–end special events catering company

“Workers of all ages are good for business and these finalists are proof positive that creating a work environment that values older workers pays off big time,” says Ruth Finkelstein, director of the Age Smart Employer Awards program and Associate Director of the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at the Mailman School of Public Health. “What this diverse set of employers have in common is a focus on creating a great place to work—for workers of all ages.  They do this in different ways—through flexible work arrangements, training and cross-training, staff development and promotion from within or great benefits. ”

The 13 finalists were chosen from an original group of 52 applicants by a selection committee of nine experts in the field of employment and aging. The applicants submitted extensive applications addressing their respective approaches to engaging older workers. Each finalist is now participating in an employees’ survey about those practices. The selection committee will evaluate the employee surveys and after further deliberation will identify 3-4 winning organizations in the large and small business/nonprofit categories. The ultimate winners of the 2015 Age Employer Awards will be announced at a ceremony on December 9, 2015.

The finalists highlighted in their applications some of the Age Smart practices they are using to recruit, retain and engage older worker, including:

Restructuring work assignments and productivity requirements to take best advantage of skills

Flexibility in work arrangements, such as tailored working hours and telecommuting

Focus on training opportunities for workers of all ages, including cross-training

Formal and informal mentoring

Targeted recruitment for mature job candidates

Commitment to career development and promotion from within the workplace

For more information, please see visit Age Smart Employer Awards.