Forbes lists UAB among America’s best large employers

Written by 

2017 Forbes ranking UAB graphicForbes has ranked the UAB among the top 75 large employers in the United States and No. 5 among universities. UAB is the largest single employer in Alabama with more than 23,000 employees and an annual economic impact exceeding $5 billion in the state.

UAB ranked No. 69 on the list of America’s Best Large Employers, reserved for companies who employ more than 5,000 people. Forbes America’s Best Employers report culled data from a survey of 30,000 U.S. employees, which asked them to rate how likely they were to recommend their organization to family or friends, as well as to recommend companies other than their own.

Costco Wholesale, Google and REI topped the list of large employers. Other notable organizations recognized included JetBlue Airways (12), Facebook (13), Microsoft (50), Unilever (87), Apple (90), Charter Communications (119), Lockheed Martin (194) and Century 21 Real Estate (214).

Universities on the list included Miami (15), Duke (27), Johns Hopkins (59), Harvard (68), Cornell (70), Stanford (92) and Northwestern University (100).

UAB Chief Human Resources Officer Alesia Jones says it is rewarding to score so highly among well-respected organizations in a process that explored employee benefits, services, perks and satisfaction.

“UAB is changing the world for the better across all areas of our mission in education, research, health care, community service and economic development,” Jones said. “We support our faculty and staff with resources, facilities, learning opportunities and an array of benefits including multiple choices in health insurance plans, parental leaveexpanded sick leave for probationary employees , paid leave benefits for organ donors, an increase to the minimum wage and plans for expanded child care on and off campus. UAB employees invest themselves in their work and take pride in UAB’s growth and reputation, and we invest in their success.”

UAB ranked fifth among universities, higher than Cornell, Stanford and Northwestern, among others.

 “UAB is having a positive impact on our world, and our people are our greatest asset to that end,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “This recognition is important because it shows we’re doing the right things to make their time as employees rewarding, and we will continue to work earnestly with our faculty and staff to enhance their experience.”