Forbes Names Duke Among North Carolina’s Best Employers for 2024

University and Health System recognized as desirable workplaces

West Campus from the air
Image courtesy of Duke university Marketing and Communications.

Duke University and Duke University Health System were recognized among North Carolina’s top workplaces in Forbes 2024 list of “America’s Best Employers By State,” which was released Tuesday.

Duke University was ranked No. 11 and Duke University Health System was ranked No. 24 in the list of the best 100 North Carolina-based employers with 500-or more workers. The list recognizes workplaces where employees feel satisfied and that are considered desirable destinations for workers in the state.

“Duke is a place where tens of thousands of North Carolinians choose to come and share their talents in service of others through education, research and health care,” said Duke Vice President of Human Resources Antwan Lofton. “In return, it’s Duke’s duty to ensure that the individuals that make up our workforce are able to lead healthy and fulfilling lives and know that their contributions are valued.”

The 2024 list of “America’s Best Employers by State” was produced by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista. The results were based on survey responses from roughly 160,000 workers at companies across several industries that employ 500-or-more people.

Survey participants were asked to evaluate their employers, industry peers and employers of people in their lives and rate how likely they would be to recommend them to friends and family. Roughly 4.4 million employer evaluations, collected over a three-year span, were used to build the list.

All told, Duke University and Duke University Health System employ roughly 44,500 people in the state and are the second-largest private employer in North Carolina. Each year, Duke pays roughly $4 billion in salaries and wages to its North Carolina-based workers. Around 74,000 lives are covered by Duke's employee health insurance plans.

“Duke’s presence and value in North Carolina is demonstrated in a myriad of ways, including the impact brought by being a top employer in the state,” said Katie Lipe, Assistant Director for the Duke Office of State Relations. “Duke consistently ranks as one of the state’s best employers and the second-largest private employer. Duke University and Duke University Health System's spot on Forbes' list again this year further bolsters Duke's commitment to serving the people of North Carolina not only as an exceptional employer, but as a leading higher education and research institution, top-ranked healthcare provider, economic engine, and more.”

Duke University Health System’s workforce provides world-class care for patients at its three hospitals and roughly 400 care locations around the state. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Duke caregivers had nearly 5 million patient encounters.

“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional dedication and compassion of our Duke Health talentforce,” said Duke University Health System Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Rhonda Brandon. “It reflects our steadfast commitment to putting our people first and our pride in knowing that they choose Duke Health as their preferred workplace and care provider.”

With competitive professional development programs, education benefits and strong health, retirement and time off benefits, Duke has long been lauded as a good place to work.

Forbes included Duke University and Health System on its 2024 lists of “America’s Best Employers for Women,” and “America’s Best Employers for Diversity.” Duke University appeared on Forbes’ 2024 lists of “America’s Best Employers,” and “Best Employers for New Grads.”

Newsweek also recognized Duke University among “America’s Greatest Workplaces,” “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters” and “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” for 2024.

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