Novant Health named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers for eighth consecutive year

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Novant Health has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers by State for 2026, marking the eighth consecutive year the health system has earned the distinction.

This recognition underscores Novant Health's commitment to creating an outstanding workplace experience by expanding opportunities for career advancement and supporting team members' mental, physical and financial well-being.

"Our team members are the foundation of everything we do," said Seb Girard, senior vice president and chief people officer, Novant Health. "Being recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers reflects the investments we're making in our people, helping them thrive professionally and personally. Novant Health is proud of its distinctive culture focused on quality of care and well-being. When our team members feel supported and have opportunities to grow, they are empowered to provide remarkable care for the patients and communities we serve."

Novant Health supports team members through a range of initiatives and programs focused on career growth, financial stability, well-being and workplace connection, including:

• Market-verified compensation and benefits packages, over the past five years, Novant Health has invested $1.5 billion in team member pay increases and incentives.

• Programs and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing burnout and administrative burden, including technology, innovation and research-driven policy recommendations from the Novant Health Center for Public Policy Solutions designed to support care teams, improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.

• Nurse mentorship and professional development programs that keep Novant Health's retention rates above the national average, including a nationally recognized 12-month residency program that has launched more than 5,300 nursing careers. With nearly 70 clinical nurse educators, the Novant Health Center for Professional Practice and Development offers a larger faculty than many schools of nursing. Novant Health also offers the Upward Mobility RN Educational Assistance Fund, which has covered tuition and fees for more than 200 team members to earn their RN licensure with flexible hours, paid study time, mentors and career coaches to ensure their success.

• Education and career-development opportunities through Novant Health Future Forward, a debt-free education program for new and existing clinical team members to earn professional certifications and undergraduate or graduate degrees prepaid by Novant Health.

• Well-being resources such as health programs, spiritual care, financial counseling, access to mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program and Onward by NeuroFlow, a free and confidential mobile health app that helps team members manage stress.

• Initiatives that help team members build connections around shared identities across the organization, including award-winning business resource groups.