Employee Reviews Land Sutter Health on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Large Employers

Sutter Health is celebrating a major workplace milestone: its debut on Forbes' America's Best Large Employers list for 2026. In its first year appearing on the list, Sutter ranked No. 78 out of 700 total companies recognized, placing in the top 21 out of 60 healthcare employers nationwide and among the top four of only eight healthcare organizations in California.

"This milestone reflects the journey we've been on over the past few years to reenergize Sutter Health's culture and reconnect to our core purpose - changing and saving lives," said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. "What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it's based on the voices of our own employees - a direct result of the intentional work we've done to strengthen how our people connect to our mission, to Sutter Health and to one another. That connection drives better teamwork, deeper trust and better outcomes for the communities we serve."

Forbes' list is developed in partnership with Statista and is powered by an independent survey of more than 217,000 U.S. employees from companies with at least 1,000 workers. Responses are collected over a three-year period, and personal evaluations from employees are weighted more heavily than public perceptions, ensuring the ranking reflects consistent, real-world employee experience.

See what Sutter's employees are saying, and why the company placed among Glassdoor's top 25 U.S. healthcare, biotech and pharma companies to work for.

How Sutter Sets Itself Apart

Sutter's placement reflects the organization's purpose-driven ONE Sutter culture, rooted in its mission of caring for patients first and people always. Employees, physicians and clinicians are supported in pursuing meaningful careers that make a difference in people's lives, a key pillar for Sutter Health in attracting and retaining the best talent.

At systemwide Power of ONE Sutter Employee Experience events, CEO Warner Thomas and Sutter's executive leadership team host thousands of team members together as one team. Since its start in January 2024, nearly 25,000 employees have attended events across 11 sessions in Northern California. These Power of ONE sessions provide employees with operational clarity, system-level recognition, and forge connections across teams and geographies - fostering collaboration, innovation and strengthening individuals' sense of belonging.

"This recognition highlights the strength of Sutter Health's people-first culture and the commitment to developing the workforce of today and tomorrow," said Deborah Yount, chief human resources officer at Sutter Health. "From strong manager support and growth pathways for every employee to maintaining attrition far below industry norms and expanding learning access for thousands, Sutter is intentional about creating a workplace where people can deliver exceptional care and thrive in their careers."

Sutter's 2025 overall staff turnover rate is 9.8%, well below the national industry average and representing a 47% reduction from 2022 turnover rates. Today, approximately 65,000 employees are working across the organization to meet growing demand for care and services, including more than 7,700 nurses hired since 2023.

Engagement is also rising. In Sutter's most recent systemwide Experience of Work survey, 90% of employees participated - the highest response rate in the organization's history and a 15% increase since 2022. Results showed 86% of employees would recommend Sutter Health as a good place to work, marking a 10-point improvement since 2022 that places Sutter in the 86th percentile nationally.

California is home to some of the most competitive healthcare employers in the country. Being recognized among only eight statewide, and ranking in the top four, underscores Sutter's momentum in building a workplace where people feel supported, connected and empowered to do great work.

This recognition is bolstered by several core strengths:

• A safe, optimal work environment. Sutter fosters a workplace grounded in its values, providing a safe, positive environment where teams can succeed. This includes investments in workplace safety, cutting-edge technology and infrastructure enhancements to reduce burnout. In 2024, Sutter invested $45 million to enhance safety at its worksites, including a new K9 program, expanding daily security patrols, and installing walk-through weapon screening systems at its large and medium acute care sites.
• A strong culture of inclusion and belonging. Every individual is connected to the organization's shared mission, vision and values, and Sutter fosters an environment where individuals feel valued for their unique experiences, ideas and perspectives. Sutter doubled the number of Employee Resource Groups available in 2025 and saw a 465% increase in participation from 2024, as well as expanded avenues for recognition and connection.
• Comprehensive, meaningful total rewards. Sutter invests heavily in market-competitive compensation and benefits that support physical, emotional and financial well-being of employees and their families. Last year, the organization invested nearly $9 billion in pay, retirement and benefits, also covering 95% of employee medical plan costs.
• Growth and development opportunities. The organization provides multiple pathways for skill-building, development and enhancement, helping individuals realize and achieve their personal and professional aspirations. In 2025 alone, 13,512 leaders and employees participated in learning, with the Sutter Health University team delivering the equivalent of 271 days of teaching and enabling more than 40,519 experiences across the system. Launching this year, Sutter's mobile simulation unit will train 4,600 additional clinicians each year, expanding access from Crescent City to Santa Barbara. All trainings will remain accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The system will also provide 4,700+ immersive sessions annually at its state-of-the-art hub sites in Roseville and Sacramento.

Looking Forward

Through Sutter's Destination 2030 strategy - targeted at innovation, workforce development and expanded access to care - the organization continues to strengthen its position as the leading place to work, practice and receive care.

These investments reflect a long-term commitment to creating an environment where people can not only grow but thrive, build long-term careers and make lasting contributions to the communities they serve.