Sanford Health Shocks Everyone by Ranking as a Top Healthcare Workplace—What They’re Hiding!

For the fourth consecutive year, **Sanford Health** has earned a spot on Becker’s Healthcare list of the top places to work in health care. This achievement underscores the organization’s commitment to creating a supportive and fulfilling workplace for its employees, which is increasingly important in the health care sector, especially post-pandemic.

Becker's Healthcare recognizes 165 health systems and companies that exemplify what it means to be an exceptional workplace in 2026. The selected organizations are noted for their substantial investments in employee well-being, offering comprehensive benefits, and fostering an inclusive culture. They prioritize meaningful opportunities for both professional and personal development, essential for attracting and retaining talent in an industry facing significant workforce challenges.

“It is an honor for our health system to be named one of the best places to work in health care for a fourth consecutive year,” said **Bill Gassen**, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our employees who live out our mission to care, comfort and cure every day.”

Sanford Health stands out as the leading rural health system in the United States, supporting over **55,000 employees** who serve more than **2 million patients** across the nation’s heartland. The organization’s mission revolves around transforming the health care experience for rural communities, emphasizing meaningful work and community impact. This focus on innovation not only improves access to care but also enhances health outcomes in underserved regions.

The organization’s employee experience strategy includes a robust culture of leadership development and innovative recruitment practices aimed at fostering a growth-oriented environment. Since **2021**, overall employee engagement at Sanford Health has doubled, ranking in the top quartile nationally for providing meaningful work. Notably, initiatives aimed at clinician well-being, like a systemwide ambient listening pilot, have reported significant improvements in job satisfaction while reducing mental strain, which is crucial in an industry often associated with high stress and burnout.

Sanford Health’s focus on workforce development is further illustrated by its commitment to graduate medical education, training over **400 residents and fellows** annually. This dedication has garnered national recognition, including distinctions from the **American Medical Association** for “Joy in Medicine” and a “Platinum Bell Seal” from **Mental Health America**. Additionally, the health system has received accolades for its veteran-focused workplace initiatives, adding to its reputation as an employer of choice.

The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team evaluated nominations for this prestigious list, and it’s noteworthy that Sanford Health is the only health system from **South Dakota** included and one of only two from **North Dakota** and **Minnesota**. This recognition not only highlights the health system’s internal culture but also reflects its broader commitment to community service and social responsibility, key attributes that resonate with today’s workforce.

As the landscape of health care continues to evolve, organizations like Sanford Health are setting benchmarks for what it means to be a top-tier employer. By focusing on employee well-being, professional development, and community impact, Sanford Health not only enhances its workforce but also contributes positively to the health of the communities it serves. This holistic approach is likely to inspire other health systems to adopt similar practices, ensuring that the sector ramps up its efforts to support its most valuable asset: its people.