St. Croix Hospice Recognized in Newsweek's 2026 America's Greatest Workplaces in Health Care
St. Croix Hospice: A Leader in Employee Satisfaction
St. Croix Hospice has recently achieved a significant milestone by being recognized in Newsweek's 2026 list of America's Greatest Workplaces in Health Care. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritizes the well-being of its employees, which in turn enhances the quality of care provided to clients.
The announcement, made on June 10, 2026, highlights the importance of strong leadership, fair compensation, and a healthy work-life balance. Heath Bartness, the Founder and CEO of St. Croix Hospice, expressed that this honor is particularly special as it reflects direct feedback from employees. In a challenging health care environment, where post-pandemic staffing shortages and burnout are prevalent, such recognitions provide a litmus test for effective workplace practices.
Employee-Centric Culture
St. Croix Hospice has built a robust people-first culture that is central to its operations. By prioritizing employee support, the organization attracts and retains high-quality caregivers, which is essential for delivering compassionate, reliable, and patient-centered hospice care. Bartness emphasized their dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued and connected to a shared purpose.
“While we are proud of this recognition, we know what matters most is continuing to improve every day for our teams and the people we serve,” he stated. This commitment is foundational to the care they provide, which is delivered 24/7 across various states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Newsweek's Criteria for Recognition
The evaluation process for Newsweek's list involved a comprehensive analysis of publicly available data and a nationwide survey conducted among employees at participating organizations. These assessments scrutinized employee satisfaction, engagement, and other vital workplace factors to identify those organizations that are genuinely making a difference in health care environments.
Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-In-Chief at Newsweek, commented on the necessity for hospitals and care networks to rethink their strategies to support frontline workers. By spotlighting institutions like St. Croix Hospice, which actively champion provider well-being and psychological safety, Newsweek is setting a standard for workplaces in health care.
Looking Ahead
In addition to improving employee conditions, St. Croix Hospice aims to sustain exceptional care and support for patients and their families. The organization's expert care teams are embedded within the communities they serve, ensuring that they can provide timely and effective hospice services whenever needed, even during evenings, weekends, and holidays. With locations now exceeding 90, St. Croix Hospice continues to expand its reach to ensure that compassionate care is accessible to all.
This recognition is not just a badge of honor; it is a driving force behind the organization's efforts to maintain high standards of care and employee satisfaction. St. Croix Hospice remains focused on enhancing the quality of service provided while fostering a work environment that values and supports its dedicated staff.