Ranking ‘identifies employers that stand out in each state based on survey responses of more than 245,000 people working for U.S. companies with at least 500 employees’
The Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) once again has been recognized as one of the best employers in Florida, earning a spot on Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best-in-State Employers, SMH staff announced this week.
This marks “the seventh consecutive year Sarasota Memorial has made the prestigious list, underscoring the community-owned health system’s longstanding commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed,” a news release points out.
“Compiled in partnership with market research firm Statista,” the eighth annual Forbesranking “identifies employers that stand out in each state based on survey responses of more than 245,000 people working for U.S. companies with at least 500 employees,” the release explains. Participants evaluated their employers on such factors as wages and benefits, management, workplace culture, flexibility and opportunities for career advancement, the release adds.
“Of 1,365 employers recognized nationwide, SMH was the second-highest rated healthcare organization in the state” and No. 17 “across all industries and Florida companies recognized,” the release says.
As the Suncoast region’s largest employer and one of the nation’s biggest public health systems, “Sarasota Memorial has more than 11,000 employees in its growing network of hospitals, specialty care centers and outpatient services,” the release notes.
SMH CEO David Verinder talked in the release of how meaningful the news is: “This recognition belongs to every member of our team and reflects the extraordinary skill, compassion and dedication they bring to their work and to the people who depend on us. They are our greatest strength, and the reason Sarasota Memorial is an exceptional place to work.”
The Forbes honor is the latest in a series of national workplace awards for SMH, the release points out. “Earlier this month, Forbes ranked SMH the No. 1 employer for women in Florida. The health system also received Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award in 2025 and has been repeatedly recognized by Newsweek and other independent organizations for workplace excellence,” the release adds.
For information about the Forbes recognition, visit forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/