Sanford recognized as one of top 5 employers for veterans

Health system ranks first in nonprofit and health sectors, fourth overall in nation

Sanford recognized as one of top 5 employers for veterans

Sanford Health has been recognized by Military Times for being one of the best employers across the country for veterans. This is the fourth year in a row Sanford Health has been honored on this list.

The 2022 Best for Vets: Employers List highlights 175 employers, and Sanford Health landed at No. 4, up from No. 36 last year. This year, Sanford Health ranked No. 1 in the nonprofit category of employers and No. 1 in the health care category of employers.

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

“At Sanford Health, we are committed to honoring the service, sacrifices and bravery of veterans while offering a welcoming environment for them to thrive in the Sanford family. My father served in the United States Air Force, and as a son of a veteran, I know firsthand the value and unique perspective veterans and military personnel add to our workforce,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “I’m humbled by their service and thankful many have chosen Sanford Health as their employer, where I hope they find a meaningful and supportive work environment.”

Sanford’s veteran workforce grows

In the past year, Sanford Health has increased the number of veterans in its workforce by 6% and the number of active National Guard and Army Reserve members by 16%. Capt. Paul Weckman, a retired veteran of the United States Navy, leads Sanford Health’s department of military and veteran affairs, which oversees programs that are meant to support veterans and their families during and after their service.

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. Service members have the option to continue their education and apply for a $5,000 scholarship to help them do this. A full list of benefits can be found on a section of Sanford’s Veteran Careers website.

“As we continue to seek out and hire more veterans to become part of the Sanford family, it’s important we do all that we can to make them feel supported and valued,” said Capt. Weckman. “Being recognized by Military Times as one of the top 5 employers 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.”

In 2021, Military Times worked with a consulting company, Fors Marsh, to update the survey employers use to be considered for the 2022 Best for Vets: Employers List. The new survey analyzes an employer’s recruitment and employment practices, along with retention and support programs.

To determine the rankings, employers take a voluntary survey. It analyzes the company’s efforts to recruit, retain and support current and former service members, military spouses, and military caregivers.

‘Military Friendly’ for families, too

Sanford Health also landed in the top 10 on the 2023 Military Friendly Employer list and 2023 Military Spouse Friendly Employer list.

This is the fourth year in a row Sanford Health has been recognized as a Military Friendly Employer but the first year being featured on the Military Friendly Spouse Employer list.

“At Sanford Health, we believe in investing in our nation’s heroes to provide them with opportunities where they feel valued and supported. Their families should have the same experience, and that’s why we’ve made the effort to help military spouses find careers in the Sanford family,” said Capt. Weckman. “Military spouses bring a unique perspective and skillset because of the lifestyle they live with their partner in the military. We appreciate that unique experience and want to help them thrive.”

Military Friendly looks at an organization’s commitment, effort, and success to create sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. More than 1,500 organizations competed for the Military Friendly designation. Sanford Health ranked No. 5 as a top Military Friendly employer and No. 6 as a top Military Friendly Spouse Employer, both in the non-profit and government category.

“We want veterans to feel welcome and valued at Sanford Health. We offer industry-leading programs to support our heroes during and after their service,” said Capt. Weckman. “We are overjoyed and proud of a recognition like this from Military Friendly, but it’s not why we offer these industry-leading programs to veterans. We offer these services to them and their families because it’s the right thing to do.”

Some of the unique offerings to our nation’s veterans at Sanford include a continuation of benefits during qualified military deployments, an automatic interview after applying for an open position and education scholarships. A full list of those benefits and featured career opportunities for veterans and military service members can be found at sanfordcareers.com/military.

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