Sanford named top health care employer for veterans

Forbes, Military Times recognize Sanford Health’s dedication to veteran employees

Sanford named top health care employer for veterans

Sanford Health has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

In addition, for the fifth year in a row, Sanford Health has been recognized by Military Times as one of the best health care employers across the country for veterans.

Also for the fifth year in a row, Sanford Health landed in the top 10 on the 2024 Military Friendly Employer list and 2024 Military Spouse Friendly Employer list.

Sanford Health ranked No. 3 as a Top Military Friendly employer, up from No. 5 in 2023 and No. 4 as a top Military Friendly Spouse Employer, up from No. 6 in 2023. More than 1,500 organizations competed for the Military Friendly designation.

“We are incredibly appreciative for all of our service members and are extremely grateful for those who’ve chosen Sanford Health as their employer,” said Capt. Paul Weckman, head of military and veteran affairs at Sanford Health.

“For those who are part of our Sanford family, the least we can do is make sure they have the resources and benefits they need to have a successful career with us. Sanford Health continues to fulfill its efforts in making sure current and past military members have employment opportunities to become part of our Sanford family.”

Search veterans jobs: Find your next landing zone at Sanford Health

The America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023 have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of nearly 8,500 U.S. veterans (having served in the United States Armed Forces, either in the regular military or in the National Guard or military reserves) working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the United States. The evaluation was based on two criteria:

  1. Direct recommendations:
    Veterans were asked to give their opinion on a series of statements related to general topics regarding their own employer like atmosphere and development, image, working conditions, salary and wage, workplace, and diversity, as well as a set of topics related specifically to the interests of veterans in the workplace.
  2. Indirect recommendations:
    Participants were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

Sanford offers several programs for military and veteran employees, including continuation of benefits and differential pay for service members during their deployment. This year, Sanford Health expanded their support to active duty members and their spouses by partnering with the Department of Defense Skillbridge Program and the Military Spouses Employment Program.

People who disclose they are veterans of the United States uniformed services when applying for a job at Sanford Health are automatically given a screening interview. Military and veteran employees have the option to continue their education and apply for a $5,000 scholarship or receive a $3,000 Veteran Educational Grant to help them do this.

Military Times’ Best for Vets list

The 2023 Best for Vets: Employers List highlights 175 employers, and Sanford Health landed at No. 1 in the health care category of employers.

“I am beyond grateful for the number of men and women who come to work each day and either currently serve, or have served, in the United States Armed Forces,” Weckman said. “At Sanford Health, we continue to ensure our veteran employees come to work every day in an environment where they can thrive and are honored for their service, sacrifices and bravery.”

The survey captures the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families when looking for an employer. Recruitment and employment practices, as well as retention and support programs, were given the most weight and importance in scoring and final rankings.

The survey submissions are analyzed by Military Times’ data experts. They are unbiased and completely objective – purely looking at the stats and information provided by each company.

“It’s important for us to do everything we can to make sure our veterans, both patients and employees, feel supported and valued,” Weckman said. “Being recognized by Military Times is an honor, and these programs we offer to recruit, retain and support veterans are the least we can do for the sacrifices these brave men and women have made serving our country.”

For more information about veteran resources for patients and employees at Sanford Health, visit Sanford Veteran and Military Services.

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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Company News, News, People & Culture, Veterans