Covenant Health Recognized Among America's Best Large Employers for 2026

Covenant Health’s Recognition as a Top Employer

Covenant Health has recently been acknowledged by Forbes as one of America's 'Best Large Employers' for 2026, claiming a coveted spot among the top 50 organizations nationwide. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the not-for-profit hospital system, which stands as the largest private employer in East Tennessee.

Ranked 43rd out of a pool of 700 large employers, Covenant Health's ranking highlights its robust workforce of over 12,000 dedicated professionals. The evaluation by Forbes is based on anonymous survey responses collected over four years from the employees themselves, ensuring that the assessment reflects the organization's climate and culture accurately. This transparent approach not only underscores the importance of employee feedback but also reinforces Covenant Health's commitment to fostering a supportive workplace.

Jim VanderSteeg, the president and CEO of Covenant Health, expressed pride in the honor, stating, "Covenant Health is committed to making a positive impact in our community by providing excellence in patient care and we take great pride in the excellent employees who give their all every day." This statement encapsulates why Covenant Health is not just a workplace but a community-focused healthcare provider that prioritizes patient care and employee satisfaction equally.

Interestingly, Covenant Health is one of only two healthcare organizations based in Knoxville recognized in this category, which emphasizes its role as a leader in healthcare and employee welfare within the region. Forbes's list evaluated organizations based on employee merit scores, thus ensuring that only those with true employee advocacy are highlighted.

This latest recognition builds on Covenant Health's already impressive track record, having previously been honored as No. 25 among 'America's Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals' in 2025. Moreover, this non-profit entity has been recognized as a 'Best-in-State Employer' multiple times, showcasing its consistent commitment to creating an environment where professionals can thrive.

Additionally, Covenant Health’s excellence is acknowledged beyond Forbes. It has achieved multiple accolades from Newsweek, earning its spot on their various 'America's Greatest Workplaces' lists. The recognition extended to categories such as 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Women' and 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging, and Community' in 2026.

For anyone looking to join a community of compassionate caregivers or seeking excellent healthcare, Covenant Health stands ready with open positions listed at CovenantHealth.com/Careers. To learn more about their journey and the commitment they uphold toward their staff and community, you can visit their official site at CovenantHealth.com.

In summary, Covenant Health’s recent accolade from Forbes not only highlights its status as a top employer but also reinforces its dedication to providing high-quality healthcare. This award emphasizes the synergy between employee contentment and patient care, showing that when staff are valued, they can provide the best possible service to patients, truly making it one of the best choices in health care across the country.