Atlantic Health, Merck recognized on 100 Best Places to Work list by Fortune

Atlantic Health System and Merck have been named as being one of the country’s 100 Best Places to Work For by Fortune magazine — the only two New Jersey-based companies on the 2024 list.

For Morristown-based Atlantic Health System, which came at No. 83 overall, it is the 15^th time in the past 16 years it has been honored.

Kenilworth-based Merck, which placed No. 62 overall, has been honored in three of the last four years.

The list, now in its 27^th year, is compiled by Fortune in partnership with Great Place to Work.

Atlantic Health CEO Brian Gragnolati obviously was thrilled by the news.

“Our talented team works collaboratively to deliver extraordinary care for every patient and family,” he said. “We empower team members to advance our mission of building healthier communities — that’s what makes Atlantic Health System a great place to work.”

Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in the country that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

The editors said making the list becomes more challenging each year — as, each year, companies need to adjust the wishes and wants of an ever-changing workforce.

The editors wrote: “Helping employees find meaning in their jobs, many of these best companies offer wellness benefits and a commitment to their workforce looking as diverse as the nation’s population. In practice, creating a more empathetic workplace looks like staying loyal to workers, emphasizing the needs of individuals with diversity and inclusion initiatives and, naturally, paying employees well.”

Hilton Hotels topped the list, followed by Cisco, Nvidia, American Express and Synchrony.

A number of companies that are not based in New Jersey but have a strong presence in the state also were on this, including:

• No. 10: Comcast NBC Universal (Philadelphia)
• No. 13: Deloitte (New York City)
• No. 17: Slalom (Seattle)
• No. 22: PWC (New York City)
• No. 33: Bank of America (Charlotte, N.C.)
• No. 36: MetLife (New York City)
• No. 64: EY (New York City)
• No. 72: KPMG (New York City)

Nikki Sumpter, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Atlantic Health, said the recognition always is appreciated and valued.

“For 15 years, the best team in health care has shown what’s possible when a workplace culture is founded on trust, respect and inclusion,” she said. “Thank you to all our team members, for caring for one another and every patient. Our team is the reason we have so much to celebrate.”