Fourth consecutive year health system recognized
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — For the fourth year in a row, Becker’s Healthcare has named Sanford Health one of the top places to work in health care.
According to Becker’s, the 165 health systems and companies included on this list are setting the standard for what it means to be an exceptional workplace in 2026. These organizations invest deeply in their people, offering robust benefits, meaningful opportunities for professional and personal development, inclusive environments where employees feel valued, mission-driven work, and resources that support true work-life balance. Beyond their walls, many also make a powerful difference in their communities through service initiatives and a strong commitment to social responsibility.
“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. We believe employees thrive when they feel supported both professionally and personally. That’s why we continue to invest heavily in our Sanford family – helping them grow in their careers while also making a difference in the communities they serve.”
Sanford Health builds a purpose-driven workplace around its mission to transform the health care experience for rural communities, supporting 55,000 employees who serve more than 2 million patients across the nation’s heartland. As the nation’s leading rural health system, Sanford Health emphasizes meaningful work, connection to community impact, and innovation that improves access and outcomes in underserved regions.
The organization’s employee experience strategy centers on culture, leadership development and forward-thinking recruitment to create a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Engagement outcomes reflect this focus, with overall employee engagement doubling since 2021 and ranking in the top quartile nationally for meaningful work. The system also prioritizes clinician wellbeing through initiatives such as a systemwide ambient listening pilot, which reported significant improvements in job satisfaction, reduced mental strain and increased intent to remain in practice.
Sanford Health’s commitment to workforce development is further demonstrated through robust graduate medical education, training more than 400 residents and fellows annually. National recognition includes the American Medical Association “Joy in Medicine” distinction, a “Platinum Bell Seal” from Mental Health America and veteran-focused workplace honors.
The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list. Sanford Health is the only health system in South Dakota included on this list and only one of two included from North Dakota and Minnesota.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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