Tampa General Hospital has been named one of Florida’s best places to work by Forbes for the fifth consecutive year, cementing its reputation as both the region’s leading healthcare provider and a top employer.
The recognition places the academic health system as the No. 1 health care employer in Tampa Bay and among the top five employers across all industries statewide. With nearly 15,000 team members, Tampa General is also ranked among the top 40 employers in Florida overall.
“This recognition by Forbes underscores that the most important investments we make as an organization are those we make in our people,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. “Our team is united in our shared belief that when we put our team members first — prioritizing their personal and professional development and addressing their unique needs with industry-leading benefits — they are positioned to deliver the best care possible to our patients.”
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A culture of engagement
The hospital’s commitment to culture is backed by data. TGH earned a 92nd percentile team member engagement score in 2025, ranking it among the top 8% of academic health systems nationwide, according to an independent Press Ganey survey. The hospital has also sustained turnover rates that are well below the U.S. healthcare industry benchmark.
Executives credit a leadership framework known as the AKTiVe model, which emphasizes authenticity, kindness, transparency and vulnerability. All leaders are trained in this approach, which has been linked to improvements in psychological safety and trust throughout the organization.
Qualenta Kivett, executive vice president and chief people and talent officer at Tampa General, said the recognition highlights the role of culture in retention.
Our team continues to demonstrate its collective commitment to co-creating an environment where we are all proud to work and choose to grow in our respective careers,” Kivett said. “We are proud to celebrate this national recognition of our people-first culture and its role in attracting and retaining world-class talent.”
Support and innovation
Feedback from staff has shaped new benefits, including free access to the virtual mental health platform Tava Health, back-up care through Care.com, and enhancements to the Team Member Assistance Program, which has provided more than $3.6 million in support since its inception. The program helps employees with hurricane repairs, gas cards, computers, school supplies and other unexpected expenses.
Tampa General also conducts regular reviews of compensation and benefits to ensure market alignment. Additionally, listening sessions and direct communication channels with senior leadership ensure that employee concerns drive operational improvements.
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National recognition
The Forbes ranking is based on a survey of over 160,000 employees nationwide and incorporates more than 2 million employer evaluations. Criteria include employee feedback, workplace conditions and public perceptions of companies.
Tampa General’s recognition comes on the heels of other national honors, including its place among U.S. News & World Report’s top hospitals in multiple specialties.
As one of Florida’s largest academic health systems, Tampa General continues to expand its reach across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus and Hernando counties, positioning itself not only as a leader in patient care but also as an anchor employer in the region’s economy.
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