Michelin NA Recognised as a ‘Senior Friendly’ Employer

Michelin North America has appeared in the US based non-governmental organisation AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) 2008 list of best employers for workers over 50. Ranked number 43, the tyre major – 35 per cent of whose workforce is aged 50 years or older – is praised for its treatment of older workers in a number of areas.

Two Michelin policies especially highlighted by the AARP are company pre-retirement seminars to prepare and educate employees and their spouses who are nearing retirement, and a phased-retirement programme that permits employees aged 55 or over with ten or more years of service the option of working a reduced schedule (up to 35 hours per week) while maintaining their benefits.

Other ways in which Michelin looks after its more senior employees, says the AARP, include recruiting, training and healthcare. For example, Michelin hires mature workers and retirees by attending military career fairs, and the company also hires via its own retiree Web site. Health benefits for retirees under age 65 and for workers age 65 and over include individual medical and prescription medication coverage and employee-assistance programmes.

The company currently has 17,821 retirees, and the AARP reports that Michelin stays connected with its retirees by communicating regularly, by inviting retirees to organisation events and celebrations, by providing ongoing access to retirement planning workshops and information, and by formally acknowledging employees when they retire. Michelin maintains a website dedicated to retirees, with information on benefits and company news. The company offers retirees temporary work assignments, consulting and contract work, and full- and part-time work.