The University of Wisconsin-Madison was ranked No. 196 in “America’s Best Large Employers 2023” by Forbes Magazine. The university is one of the eight large employers recognized within the state of Wisconsin.
Forbes partnered with Statista, an independent market research firm, to create the list. Around 45,000 employees at various companies and institutions across the country were surveyed. Participants were asked to rank their current employer based on how likely they would be to recommend their employer to friends and family members. They were also asked to include other employers they would recommend. The final list, published by Forbes in mid-February, consists of the top 500 large employers with the most recommendations received.
“We are pleased to be recognized by Forbes as one of ‘America’s Best Large Employers,’ particularly given the fact that the results are based on input from employees across the country,” Provost John Karl Scholz said.
This isn’t the first time UW-Madison has been ranked by Forbes. The university also ranked in the top 50 out of 500 universities in “America’s Top Colleges 2022,” and ranks No. 7 in the Midwest.
“Being listed in the top 500 on Forbes’ 2023 ‘America’s Best Large Employers’ reflects the university’s commitment to providing a positive work environment for all employees,” Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Rob Cramer explained.
UW-Madison often conducts various internal surveys, such as the 2022 Staff Climate survey. Cramer believes these surveys succeed at “giving employees an opportunity to share their thoughts on issues regarding overall work satisfaction, safety and belonging.”
Survey results are used to identify areas for improvement within the university staff. Scholz and Cramer specifically asked directors and deans to collaborate with their respective leadership teams to review results and indicate specific areas for improvement after the Staff Climate survey. Additionally, the university said it remains committed to transparency with its survey results, forming a dashboard for staff to view various demographics.
“Our faculty and staff make UW-Madison a remarkably special place, and it is a top priority that all employees feel [they] can thrive here,” said Cramer.
Ella Hanley is the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has written breaking, city, state and campus news. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley.