BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Health First Named to Forbes List of ‘America’s Best Large Employers’

By Space Coast Daily // March 1, 2022

Health First has been named among “America’s Best Large Employers” for 2022 by Forbes. In a survey of 60,000 U.S. employees, Health First landed in the top 500 nationally (407) on the list highlighting organizations with more than 5,000 employees. The online survey sampled more than 60,000 employees working for companies that employ at least 1,000 people in the U.S. All U.S. companies were eligible for the recognition. **To view the full Forbes list, visit here.**

Fast Facts:

■ Health First named among “America’s Best Large Employers” by Forbes.

■ List includes organizations with more than 5,000 employees.

■ Poll includes feedback from 60,000 U.S. employees.

■ Health First joins only 16 Florida companies and 48 hospitals/healthcare systems.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First has been named among “America’s Best Large Employers” for 2022 by Forbes.

In a survey of 60,000 U.S. employees, Health First landed in the top 500 nationally (407) on the list highlighting organizations with more than 5,000 employees.

The online survey sampled more than 60,000 employees working for companies that employ at least 1,000 people in the U.S. All U.S. companies were eligible for the recognition.

Forbes partnered with statistical research firm Statista for the survey, which asked employees across 25 different industries questions about topics including salary, development potential, working conditions, salary, diversity and company image.

Participants were also asked to rate their willingness to recommend their employer to friends and family and evaluated other employers in their industry that stood out either positively or negatively.

Health First was one of only 48 hospitals or healthcare systems named to the list, and it joins only 16 other Florida companies – including five in Central Florida.

“When I think of the last two years and everything our associates, physicians, and volunteers have endured throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud their unwavering commitment to our customers has been recognized,” said Steve Johnson, CEO Health First.

“I am honored to work alongside these associates and witness firsthand how their resilience, determination, and compassion for our community has shone brightly every day during one of the most challenging times in history.”

Health First Chief Nursing Officer Cheyana Fischer said the honor was unexpected, but also flips the script on the employee-employer recognition process.

“We’ve seen day in and day out the sacrifices our associates have made – both at work and home – during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know how truly amazing our people are, but this recognition really switches the narrative. The Health First culture stresses and celebrates recognition of others.

However, those same women and men who have given everything to save lives and protect our community have turned the tables and said, ‘Health First as an employer has been a great place to invest my skills and services over these past two years,” said Fischer.

“I am truly humbled.”

To view the full Forbes list, visit here.

Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County’s not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully integrated delivery network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services.

As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is committed to investing in our community. In 2019, Health First provided more than $180 million in community support. To learn more about Health First and how we’re giving back to our community, please visit HFgivesback.org.