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GSK named to AARP list of 2009 Best Employers for Workers Over 50

Company recognized for its personnel policies and practices towards mature workers and retirees

Issued: Thursday, September 10, 2009, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA – For the first time, GlaxoSmithKline has been selected as one of the ‘Best Employers for Workers Over 50’ by AARP.  AARP scored companies in eight categories including: general information, continued opportunities for career success, benefits, and opportunities for retirees, and organization statistics. 

“GSK is proud to be recognized by AARP,” said Belinda Shannon, Vice President, Compliance, EEO & Diversity at GSK.   “GSK is committed to supporting the goals and challenges of our multi-generational workforce and providing an environment which supports inclusion and diversity.”

GSK highlighted its recruiting policies, workplace culture, career development, employee health benefits, retiree health benefits, financial benefits (retirement savings, financial planning), time off benefits, wellness benefits, employee assistance, dependent care, and flexible work options.

With 48% of its US workforce Baby Boomers or older, GSK employees initiated an employee network for mature workers known as Prime Time Partners Network (PTPN). PTPN Steering Committee Members submitted the AARP application on behalf of GSK to recognize the robust benefits package and programs offered.

PTPN offers employees various programs addressing financial and retirement planning; networking with peers/career development; promoting communication among the multi-generational workforce; and healthcare. In support of mentoring and communication across the workplace generations, PTPN and the Early Career Network, presented a workshop on Social Networking to support career advice and mentoring relationships.

Other GSK programs highlighted in the application were the Personal and Team Resilience, which encourages employees to create new ways of working more effectively both individually and as a team.

“Through PTPN, GSK encourages the mature workforce to engage in the business as well as self-development,” said Mike Burkes, Director of Payer Relations/Medical Center Sales and PTPN steering committee member, “We are honored that AARP has recognized the inclusive environment supported by GSK and that we are the only research based pharmaceutical business on the list.”

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  AARP produces:  AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARTP staffs offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About GSK

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For more information please visit: us.gsk.com.

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