Companies Improve Morale
With Retiree Programs

Oak Brook, IL (May, 2004) — As the number of Fortune 500 companies supplying fixed-rate pension plans drops, employers will experience employees retiring with resentment. One method of counteraction is to include retirees in company activities.

According to the “Retiree Programs Survey,” conducted by Employee Services Management (ESM) Association, 84 percent of companies include retirees in some or all employee activities. Forty-six percent offer programs or activities specifically designed for retired employees, with 60 percent of companies subsidizing either a portion or all of these activities.

The most common retiree program is the retiree club meeting (53 percent). The retiree club allows retirees to remain involved in corporate affairs and enjoy social activities with former coworkers. Nearly 39 percent of retiree clubs charge annual membership dues. Oftentimes, the funds help pay for mailings, event planning, travel expenses, and club administration.

The second most popular retiree program is the retiree group outing (51 percent), which often includes theatre performances, shopping excursions, sporting events, and more.

TOP FIVE RETIREE PROGRAMS COMPANIES OFFER
53 percent: Retiree Club Meetings
51 percent: Retiree Group Outings
47 percent: Retiree Newsletter
40 percent: Retiree Picnic
36 percent: Retiree Group Travel

The online survey was developed by ESM Association, an employee services organization that serves as an information and product/service network for over 2,000 members nationwide. The survey includes responses from 213 ESM Association Members responsible for implementing and maintaining a diverse range of employee services and work/life programs. Most of the survey respondents (85 percent) employ 5,000 or less employees locally.

The online survey is one of ESM Association’s member services. Members receive a complete analysis of the survey results at no cost and use this information to benchmark with peers and justify new programs to management.

For more information about ESM Association or this survey, visit http://www.esmassn.org or contact ESM Association at esmahq@esmassn.org or (630) 368-1280.

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About ESM Association:
ESM Association is a national nonprofit association that has helped employee services providers perform their jobs better for over 60 years. Employee services providers typically work in the human resource departments of organizations. They are responsible for managing employee services, including recreation programs, community services, recognition programs, event planning, childcare/eldercare services, convenience services, and travel offerings. ESM Association exists to enhance the employee services profession through education, peer networking and discounts on products and services. For more information, visit http://www.esmassn.org.

©2001, Employee Services Management Association