The health care and biopharmaceutical industries are ever-changing. To keep employees happy, companies in this field must adapt, be flexible, and stay true to their values. Great benefits and perks also don’t hurt. To compile this list, Fortune partner Great Place to Work interviewed thousands of staffers about their jobs. Below, the top companies in both industries that get the highest marks for work/life balance, and whose employees actually love coming to work.
Read more about how companies create cultures that land them on this list.
Top Heath Care Companies to Work For
1. Texas Health Resources
Headquarters: Arlington, Texas
Number of U.S. employees: 21,686
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“I appreciate that everyone at the table is encouraged to speak up and offer a perspective. I like that our leaders subscribe to a ‘best idea wins’ mentality rather than relying only on leaders for input and guidance.”
“The teamwork on my unit and a few others that I have experience with are unmatched. I have worked here for a year and still love coming to work because I feel supported and love my coworkers. You can’t find that everywhere. I’m also a student and I have felt welcomed with many encouraging my education through words of affirmation and learning opportunities in the clinical setting. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
2. Encompass Home Health And Hospice
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Number of U.S. employees: 8,453
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“What makes this a great place to work for me is feeling like management actually cares about me as a person. I have been made to feel like part of a team. Everyone does their share and helps each other when necessary.”
“I am very new here, just over 2 months. From day one there has been an abundance of help, from the people in the office that I work with daily to preceptors who have been sent in to help the new hires. I can honestly say no other company I have ever worked for has gone the extra mile like Encompass has. I look forward to a very long and rewarding career here.”
3. Southern Ohio Medical Center
Headquarters: Portsmouth, Ohio
Number of U.S. employees: 2,586
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“I have always been encouraged to take steps to improve myself and to grow within the organization. I have been offered assistance to obtain a higher level of education and support in doing so.”
“SOMC is a great place to work, mainly because of the attitudes of everyone here. If you pass someone in the hallway, they will smile or say hi. Everyone is usually willing to help a customer find their way, or help in any way possible. I feel like most everyone who works here strives to provide excellent care. When you care about your patients and feel like you have provided them excellent service, it gives purpose to your work and really helps you have a great attitude about having to come to work here every day. I personally feel that way myself, and you can look around at other employees and its obvious many others here feel the same way that I do.”
4. Caring Nurses
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
Number of U.S. employees: 103
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“Caring goes beyond a name. I have seen management pay to assist patients with medications, to clean their homes, and buy food for them. We started a food pantry so any of our field staff is welcome to come take food to our patients.”
“I’ve worked for multiple home health agencies but Caring Nurses is my favorite. I love that we have the stock program and get statements every year on how well the company is doing. It makes you feel like you are on the winning team. I’ve seen the owners do a lot of pro-bono stuff for patients who don’t have money for meds or food and it’s heartwarming to work for people who care about more than just profit.”
5. Scripps Health
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Number of U.S. employees: 14,496
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“Our CEO is approachable and listens to questions from all employees. We are kept informed regarding changes in our industry. The management approach is proactive rather than reactive to any changes that the organization needs to make.”
“Scripps does a wonderful job of selecting talent that mirrors the organization’s mission. This makes it easier to work with your fellow colleagues because they go beyond their job description to ensure the best result for the patient, program, or overall outcome for the organization. There is a sense of pride the employees have that stems from the synergy from one another which makes you automatically feel a part of the Scripps family. Chris Van Gorder is an excellent leader as he is very inclusive and egalitarian in his leadership which makes everyone feel special regardless of their role. You automatically sense that he would roll up his sleeves and get dirty just to get the job done. He also believes in leadership rounding which is something I wish more of the C-level executives would emulate as that further makes employees feel valued.”
6. Jackson Healthcare
Headquarters: Alpharetta, Georgia
Number of U.S. employees: 1,208
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“The difference is night and day from other places I’ve worked. From the minute you walk in the door here, you can feel the positive energy. The benefits and support Jackson Healthcare provides have enabled me to discover and nurture my true talents.”
“The atmosphere and culture of the company is the most unique of any company I’ve ever experienced. It is a very family-oriented company that encourages everyone to improve the lives of everyone they touch, both in and outside of the company. Giving back is a huge part of the company culture and is one of the main things that drew me to the company in the first place. Not only do I feel like the company really cares about each employee, but they also do a great job of showing their appreciation by providing great amenities.”
7. Baptist Health South Florida
Headquarters: Coral Gables, Florida
Number of U.S. employees: 16,210
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“Leaders take the time to listen to employees’ concerns and respond appropriately with actions. There is a great focus on creating a workforce that is engaged and is able to contribute to its community. At the end of the day, our leaders care that we are able to do a good job and provide great care to our patients. Healthcare is not an easy industry to be in these days, but we have done remarkably well in weathering the storm by staying ahead of the game and strategizing to remain financially stable, while staying focused on our core values.”
8. Atlantic Health System
Headquarters: Morristown, New Jersey
Number of U.S. employees: 12,183
Employees say:
“You are appreciated, educated, and rewarded in many ways. As such, employees are loyal and committed. The values of the company maintain a leading organization in medicine with the highest quality and standard of healthcare in our communities.”
“I have worked here for 31 years, and plan to stay here through retirement. I have had incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and develop personally and professionally. I truly feel that I make a difference in my work, relationships, and opportunities to mentor my staff each and every day. In a hospital setting, any given day can be the worst day of someone’s life who may be dealing with an unexpected diagnosis, a critical loved one, or an end-of-life situation. Although we may not be able to change the outcome, each of us have the opportunity to make that experience easier and that memory better for a family through our caring and support.”
9. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
Number of U.S. employees: 4,355
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“They listen to employee suggestions and implement as many as are feasible (bike share, umbrella sharing, mobile app, butterfly/hummingbird garden, to mention a few of the employee suggestions that have been implemented). The top executive has monthly Town Hall meetings to which all employees are invited. Employees can vote on topics to be discussed at the Town Hall ahead of time online. HR examines our benefit package periodically and makes it competitive and attractive to potential employees. We have a nice fitness center on campus and they emphasize work/life balance for all employees.”
10. BayCare Health System
Number of U.S. employees: 23,459
Employees say:
“There is a lot of longevity here at BayCare which means and says a lot. The fact that you can learn and move to different positions is great and you are encouraged to better yourself. BayCare also helps out the communities in which we are located.”
“The opportunities for advancement are amazing. I have worked as a tech and Baycare is helping me pay for nursing school. On top of that, fellow employees and doctors love to teach and help me get better for when I am a nurse. On top of that, the culture that we develop of trying to work like a family sometimes comes across really well. I love telling people where I work.”
11. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Number of U.S. employees: 11,402
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“MLH cares for the well being of all of its patients and employees. Their first priority is every patient that walks through its doors. It provides top-quality healthcare and a clean environment for each patient. It also provides healthcare for the ones in our community who would not seek out medical attention due to financial and/or transportation issues. This type of behavior is also shown to its employees. It provides a great amount of opportunities for employees to receive help for education (employee and family members), financial issues, healthier lifestyles, and emotional stress that an employee might be under due to home life or work, plus much more. I left another healthcare facility to join Methodist LeBonhuer Hospitals and do not regret a single moment.”
12. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Number of U.S. employees: 9,090
Employees say:
“Our culture recognizes the significant importance of our patients to their families and this frequently drives the decisions we make in caring for them. We grant families a huge amount of decision making power into the care of their child. I have seen this company go beyond the basics by providing therapy dogs not only for patients, but also for staff which can truly help make a day brighter and happier. They provide resiliency retreats and pay you while there for you to be able to take time for yourself since our work environment can be very stressful. They are very aware of the stresses on nurses and don’t understaff units or ask nurses to take assignments that are not safe.”
13. Northwell Health
Headquarters: New Hyde Park, New York
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“Everybody is always willing to go an extra mile which I find admirable and encouraging. I’ve seen nothing but camaraderie from every one as a unit and team. The managers are always willing to assist with anything that is needed to accomplish goals.”
14. Signature HealthCARE
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
Company type: Private
“They are always celebrating the achievements and milestones of stakeholders and the contributions they provide as well as their backgrounds and the experiences that have impacted them.”
“The vision from the CEO/President to have a ‘servant leader’ mentality is what makes this organization so different from the rest. All stakeholders are treated with respect and supported in a way to learn and grow, not in a punitive or degrading way. The pillars of our organization allow us to stay focused on what matters, which is the elders that we serve, the stakeholders that we employ, and the family members and communities in which we reside. I am empowered to make a difference every day and to always do what is right!”
15. Kettering Health Network
Headquarters: Miamisburg, Ohio
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“We are committed to providing better access to quality healthcare in our community. There is a lot of growth in this organization and there will be many potential opportunities for career advancement within this organization as I grow in my care.”
16. Kaiser Permanente
Headquarters: Oakland, California
Company type: Non-Profit
“The collaboration and team mentality is strong, and I truly feel like my career matters to my managers and colleagues. Everyone makes an effort to boost each other up. The company provides opportunities to enhance your career and do your job efficiently.”
“Kaiser Permanente is really committed to ensuring that its employees thrive, and it puts a lot of resources into providing opportunities for this to happen both at work and for employees at home. Additionally, Kaiser maintains a strong commitment to the surrounding communities—we have so many innovative programs and community benefit projects that are ensuring that our communities are healthy and thriving, too. There aren’t many organizations that will allow you to volunteer during paid work hours. That’s really something special and something that makes me proud to work for Kaiser.”
17. Licking Memorial Health Systems
Headquarters: Newark, Ohio
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“I love working for an organization whose mission is to improve the health of the community. I like knowing that what I do impacts my friends and neighbors, but what makes it a great place to work is the way it shows its appreciation to its employees.”
18. OhioHealth
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
Company type: Non-Profit
“OhioHealth values the dignity and worth of each person, both the associates and patients, and this is demonstrated by decisions and actions made from leadership, to middle management to front-line staff.”
“The culture at OhioHealth is one of strength, support, compassion, and excellence. The team works together to care for our associates and serve our community well. The leadership team here understands the work, the challenges, the dynamics, and the vision. It is a journey that we are well along and well positioned to succeed in.”
19. Benco Dental
Headquarters: Pittston, Pennsylvania
Company type: Private partnership
Employees say:
“Direct access to top-level management for questions or concerns about anything at any given time. Instead of jumping through hoops to get a question answered, management is always there to help with anything.”
20. Nicklaus Childrens Health System
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Company type: Non-Profit
“Not only do we care for children, but the leadership team cares about its employees. We are not just a number or just another employee—we are a family of healthcare takers that provide compassionate, quality care to our patients and families.”
“The employees show true appreciation towards other employees, are affectionate and caring towards the patients, and show willingness to help others in any way they can. Our company shows a genuine interest in professional and intraprofessional development and provide time off from work to be able to do so, as well provide provide opportunities for employees to train other employees. When first hired, we are provided a buddy to assist in the training process and attend two days of orientation, which gives employees time to transition and ease into the workload.”
21. WESTMED Medical Group
Headquarters: Purchase, New York
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“Leadership creates a great culture where people want to come to work everyday to take care of the patients. The executives know you by name and take a vested interest in your career development and even my family members.”
22. Constellation Health Services
Headquarters: Norwalk, Connecticut
Company type: Private
“Through its training and development opportunities, employee appreciation programs, and strong culture of inclusion, Constellation proves that it is dedicated to ensuring a fulfilling and balanced work experience.”
“The company is run by human beings and for me that is really important in the industry we are in. There’s always an open line of communication. You can always go straight and talk to the management. There’s no walls or labyrinth to go through if there’s something you need answers for, be it clinical or just regular day-to =-day admin work.”
23. Ardor Health Solutions
Headquarters: Coral Springs, Florida
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“The sincerity and genuine enthusiasm that the owners and staff have created in the workplace, whether you are a new employee or you have been here for years, you are made to feel welcomed and important. It is sincere.”
24. Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
Headquarters: Eatontown, New Jersey
Company type: Private
“Our company does a tremendous job participating, supporting, and giving back to the community that we serve. This has influenced my team, and we think and act differently based on the company’s culture.”
“The vision of why we started embodies itself in each of our branches. We know why and believe in what we do. There are many great professions, but ours is truly inspiring and humbling. In the home care environment, we bring families back together and support them the best way we can. We have cried with families and even, in a sense, have become part of those families.”
25. Mayo Clinic
Headquarters: Rochester, Minnesota
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“Mayo Clinic is the top-rated hospital in the country and values excellent patient care. The organization is proud of its employees, history, and service to the community. No matter the role you work in here, the patient always comes first.”
26. American Heart Association
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Company type: Non-Profit
“What I enjoy most about this organization is we have an opportunity to learn something new every day. We do so many incredible things here and no matter how long you have worked here, you always have an opportunity to learn.”
“The work we do everyday makes a difference in people’s lives. It is incredibly encouraging and rewarding to know that my ideas and my team’s wins help save lives across the globe. I feel honored to come to work everyday, representing the American Heart Association, while actively living our mission in my personal life.”
27. Baylor Scott & White Health
Headquarters: Dalla , Texas
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“The physician-driven executive team makes it feel a lot less like a business. I truly feel we are allowed to practice medicine here without feeling like we are chasing numbers.”
28. ADURO
Headquarters: Redmond, Washington
Company type: Private
“Anything is possible here. It’s one of our core values and I truly believe it. Every day we are given the opportunity to do great things and impact people’s lives in meaningful ways. We are innovative the standards of our industry.”
“This is a special workplace because of the mission that fuels it and the personalities that are attracted to it. You get to work with team members that genuinely believe in the idea of a healthy, enriching workplace and are dedicated to anything they can do to help realize its mission. Leadership is considerate and truly desires to do anything it can to listen and improve the culture. They are always trying new ways to listen to their people and bring them closer together.”
29. Martin’s Point Health Care
Headquarters: Portland, Maine
Company type: Non-Profit
Employees say:
“Working for an organization that provides quality services and strives to make its employees feel valued is nothing less than a dream job! MPHC in all aspects is well respected by the community and employees.”
30. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Headquarters: New York, New York
Company type: Private Non-Profit
“The heartfelt and amazing letters from patients truly puts what’s most important into perspective: patients first. It has been so rewarding to support this organization and its front-line staff in doing what they do better than any other hospital.”
“Our big community at the hospital is so greatly diverse. With many strong moral values and assets that we all share, practice, and honor, we are happy to foster tolerance, compassion, honesty, integrity, appreciation, fair competition, competitive salaries, great benefits, professional opportunities for growth, a safe environment to work, good communication, and support! Recognizing that everyone’s contribution is meaningful and valuable, our outstanding hospital staff and administrators make NYPH one of the best.”
Top Biopharma Companies to Work For
1. Horizon Pharma
Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois
Company type: Public
Employees say:
“We are not afraid to try new things and people work hard without being micromanaged. It really does promote a sense of happiness working for the company knowing that we are helping patients while also treating each other with respect.”
2. Genentech
Headquarters: South San Francisco, California
Company type: Private
“This is a biotech company that always keeps the patients in mind, no matter what your role is. It makes you proud to come to work every day to know that what we are doing now is what patients need next.”
“People can be unique. This is not a cookie cutter organization. I love working with such a true variety of people with very different views, backgrounds, and ideas. I can be myself and not be concerned about presenting dissenting ideas. Different points of view are considered important. When working at a previous pharmaceutical company, I felt the opposite. Sit, eat, drink, be the same as everyone else and go along with the leaders ideas or it would be frowned upon. Opposite at Genentech—be yourself and please contribute.”
3. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Headquarters: Tarrytown, New York
Company type: Public
Employees say:
“There is a strong culture of caring and inclusion across the organization. Employees are made to feel they are a part of something big and are valued regardless of their role and specific contributions to the company.”
4. AbbVie
Headquarters: North Chicago, Illinois
Company type: Public
“We are truly making a difference in people’s lives. We are working as a team to deliver new medicines.That is what inspires us not just to come to work but to bring our best. Our patients are depending on us.”
“The level of teamwork and shared commitment to goals are outstanding. I am surrounded by colleagues who will do whatever is needed to get the job done. I have witnessed very, very few examples of people putting their own aspirations or agenda before those of the organization.”
5. Illumina
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Company type: Public
Employees say:
“Working for Illumina is extremely fulfilling compared to other jobs. Fueling research and platforms for cancer, agriculture, and rare disease research provides a purpose which is not normally found in other working environments.”
6. 4G Clinical
Headquarters: Wellesley, Massachusetts
Company type: Private
“There is an entrepreneurial spirit to all we do and in everyone who works here at 4G. We are all focused on the task at hand, our company mantra: bringing crucial medicines to those who need them, faster.”
“This company and its management go through great lengths to make sure everyone is fulfilled in their position. The camaraderie amongst the staff is incredible. Everyone tries to pitch in when someone needs help.”
7. Novo Nordisk
Headquarters: Plainsboro, New Jersey
Company type: Public
Employees say:
“Everyone is genuinely happy to come to work and be a part of Novo Nordisk’s mission. I’ve never worked anywhere else like this and it is really motivating to work for such a company.”
8. Roche Diagnostics
Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
Company type: Private
“Many companies talk about diversity, ethics, compliance, work/life balance. Roche seems to actually believe it and has policies which ‘walk the walk.’ ”
“The welcoming attitude of the employees, management, and the campus itself lends to an environment that accepts freedom of new ideas, and personal and professional growth. I also appreciate the all-encompassing benefits package, the encouragement to balance work and life, and the recognition received from management when the team has performed well.”
9. Eloquest Healthcare
Headquarters: Ferndale, Michigan
Company type: Private
Employees say:
“I believe we have a very open, entrepreneurial company where people feel a true ownership of what they do for the organization. Management looks at everyone as individuals and values different perspectives.”
10. Merck & Co.
Headquarters: Kenilworth, New Jersey
Company type: Public
“Merck has a true leader in Ken Frazier! He is one of, if not the, best CEO in the industry. He is inspirational, candid, transparent, and follows his gut when making decisions. Very proud to work for that kind of leader.”
“I believe that Merck’s mission to deliver life-saving and improving medicines to the world attracts the best people and inspires us to do great work, and this makes it much more than just a job.”
