Forbes has named University of Utah Health one of the best employers for diversity in 2022. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to survey 50,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees and pinpoint the companies they identified as most dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
University of Utah Health ranks 41st out of 500 recognized organizations in the nation, up from 98th in 2021. U of U Health is also the only health care provider from the state of Utah to receive the designation.
"We are honored to be recognized for this important achievement and to see positive movement from last year," says Sarah Sherer, chief human resources officer for University of Utah Health. "We are committed to listening, learning, and ensuring that we critically examine how we can continue to improve and provide equitable treatment for our colleagues, patients, and community. We recognize that we still have work in front of us and we’re striving to ensure our infrastructures and culture promote a place of belonging, acceptance, growth, opportunities, and most of all respect."
Employees who took the survey gave their opinions on a series of statements surrounding topics of age, gender equality, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQ+, and general diversity concerning their employer. Respondents also considered diversity among top executives, evaluations from employees at other companies, positions responsible for diversity, and communication of diverse company culture.
U of U Health was also recognized by Forbes in 2021 as a "Best Employer" and most recently recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a best place to work for LGBTQ+ people.
"We know that to provide the highest quality of care for everyone, we must value a workplace that is diverse, with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences who can contribute to the most comprehensive care for our patients," said José Rodríguez, associate vice president for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Utah Health. "Even with this recognition, we know we have employees from underrepresented backgrounds who still don’t feel seen or heard, and we will never stop our work until everyone in our organization feels valued," Rodríguez added.
U of U Health is committed to creating an inclusive climate that empowers faculty, staff, students, and trainees with evidence-based skills to provide high-quality and high-value care in a world defined by cultural and intellectual diversity.
For a full list of recognitions, visit https://healthcare.utah.edu/about/awards-and-honors.php.
Visit Forbes for the list and the company rankings here.
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