VCU Health System and VCU recognized for workplace efforts toward working mothers, workers over 50

By Anne Buckley

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System and Virginia Commonwealth University this week were each lauded for trend-setting practices in the workplace with recognitions as one of the best places in the United States for working mothers and for those over 50.

The VCU Health System on Tuesday was named one of the nation’s 100 best companies of 2007 for working mothers, marking the third time the health system has been recognized for company-wide benefits and programs to ensure the retention and advancement of working mothers.  

Also Tuesday, the AARP announced that VCU ranked No. 30 out of 50 honorees on its list of employers nationwide for the fairness of its policies and practices toward older workers. The AARP recognition was the third in as many years for VCU.

“The VCU Health System and VCU have long been recognized as leaders in the area of workforce development,” said Eugene P. Trani, VCU president and president and chair of the VCU Health System. “As one of the largest employers in the Central Virginia region – and a powerful economic engine — we take seriously the care of our employees and work hard to provide the quality of work life that keeps them happy, healthy and eager to work here.” 

The VCU Health System gained the recognition for several initiatives, including designing, building and opening the region’s first on-site adult care center for employee dependents, whether elderly or challenged by mental or physical disability.

The health system also continues to offer three, nationally accredited, on-site childcare centers that serve 320 children from 6 a.m. to midnight 365 days a year, making the VCU Health System the largest employer-sponsored infant childcare provider in a single location on the East coast.

“The VCU Health System not only offers essential benefits like flextime, they go above and beyond with a range of best practices and policies to ease the difficulties for working parents and their families,” said Carol Evans, CEO and president, Working Mother Media. 

From the AARP, VCU was judged in categories such as recruiting, workplace culture/continued opportunities, health benefits, financial benefits, alternative work arrangements, opportunities for retirees and the age of its workforce.

William Novelli, the AARP’s chief executive officer, said VCU demonstrates “exemplary practices in the recruitment, retention and promotion of older workers.

“Moreover, you have created and fostered a workplace that supports the aging workforce and encourages workers to remain actively employed,” Novelli said.

Thirty-seven percent of VCU employees are 50 or older.