Kennedy Krieger Institute has been named by Forbes to be Maryland’s Best Midsize Employer of 2024 and ranked in their list of America’s Best Midsize Employers 2024.
Meanwhile, Forbes named University of Maryland and Marriott International among its list of America’s Best Large Employers.
Forbes bases its rankings on workplace culture and satisfaction, and Kennedy Krieger came in at 47th among all midsize employers in the United States in addition to claiming the top spot in Maryland.
The Institute is an internationally renowned organization whose mission is to improve the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with, or at risk for developing disorders and injuries of the nervous system. There are more than 2,800 employees who provide medical, therapeutic, educational, research and community services for more than 27,000 patients and students each year.
“To be listed as one of the country’s best midsize employers is a wonderful validation that our more than 2,800 team members care deeply about the work they do, the people they serve, and each other,” said Dr. Brad Schlaggar, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger. “We are a mission-driven organization that works hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, diverse workplace where each member of the team is appreciated for their contributions to helping our patients, students, and families pursue all that is possible in their lives. We’re grateful for this recognition.”
Forbes noted the surplus of jobs nationwide and the shortage of workers, suggesting that part of the reason is that companies are having trouble retaining their best employees. The employers on their list, the article says, “have distinguished themselves for their ability to keep their employees happy and engaged.”
Forbes also ranked the top 100 large employers in the United States, with University of Maryland coming in at No. 54, and Marriott International settling in at No. 85.
University of Maryland employs more than 14,500 workers. Located in College Park, the public university has a population of more than 41,000 students, including nearly 31,000 undergraduate students.
Marriott International is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and has 11,100 employees. The company runs a franchise of hotel, residential, and timeshare properties.
Forbes surveys more than 170,000 U.S.-based employees about their workplaces to compile this annual ranking. Final scores include input from current and former employees who have worked for a company within the previous two years, and people associated with the company through friends, family, and industry peers. Higher emphasis is given to employees, however. Respondents were asked to rate their employer, and if they’d recommend their employer to others.
Midsize employers are those with 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and large employers have more than 5,000 employees. Forbes bestows honors in both categories. Companies do not pay a fee to be considered in Forbes’ rankings.
