Starkey Celebrates Fourth Year as Top Workplace USA, Showing Commitment to Innovation and Employee Well-Being
Starkey Recognized as a Top Workplace for the Fourth Consecutive Year
Starkey, a leading name in hearing technology, has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace by being named a Top Workplaces USA award winner for 2026 by USA TODAY. This marks the fourth consecutive year Starkey has earned this esteemed recognition, reflecting its continuous dedication to innovation and employee engagement.
Commitment to a People-First Culture
The Top Workplaces USA award celebrates organizations that prioritize a culture focusing on employees' needs and satisfaction. In 2026, over 42,000 companies were invited to participate in this assessment. The recognition of Starkey highlights its achievements in creating a supportive and empowering work environment that values employee feedback and engagement.
"Our culture is what makes Starkey truly special," said Jessica Sawalich, Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Culture. "We are dedicated to creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered, and connected to a greater purpose. When employees feel valued and inspired, they bring their best ideas forward, driving innovation and creating a positive impact."
Feedback-Driven Approach
The award is derived from genuine employee feedback collected through a confidential, research-backed survey administered by Energage, a collaborator known for overseeing the Top Workplaces program since its inception in 2006. The assessment quantifies employee experiences across crucial themes in workplace environments, which serve as indicators of high performance and organizational health.
Starkey continues to receive this prestigious accolade, underlining its resolve to craft an atmosphere where employees feel heard, supported, and inspired. By blending a robust emphasis on hearing technology innovation with a purposeful mission, Starkey strives to enhance lives by connecting people with the world around them.
A Legacy of Leadership in Hearing Innovation
Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin and now led by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has grown to become an innovator in AI-powered hearing aids. The company, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 global locations, providing advanced hearing solutions to customers in more than 100 markets. Starkey prides itself on offering unmatched sound clarity and utilizing intelligent hearing technology to improve the quality of life for its users.
Awards for Cultural Excellence
In addition to the Top Workplaces USA award, Starkey has also won eight Culture Excellence awards this year. These awards underscore the company’s efforts in cultivating an outstanding workplace that values creativity, well-being, and collaboration.
Starkey’s continued success and recognition is rooted in its commitment to innovation, which it believes is vital for both employee satisfaction and business excellence. As the company expands its horizons, it remains focused on investing in its workforce, ensuring that the workplace culture not only attracts top talent but also nurtures a thriving environment for creativity and growth.
As Starkey continues to evolve and make strides in the hearing technology industry, its dedication to employee engagement and satisfaction serves as a cornerstone for its operations and culture. At Starkey, every team member plays a crucial role in furthering the company’s mission to improve the lives of individuals through cutting-edge hearing solutions.