If you’re reading this, you work in one of California’s best workplaces!

UC Davis has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of California’s best-in-state employers for 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive year UC Davis has earned this honor, an achievement rooted in our deliberate commitment to creating a workplace that fosters professional growth, mission-driven goals, and a strong sense of employee belonging and wellbeing - a workplace where employees can do their best work.  

Tammy Kenber, Chief Human Resources Officer, said, “This recognition is really about the talented people that advance our mission at UC Davis and UC Davis Health day in and day out. It’s also a reminder that when we support people, listen to people, and build on the feedback we receive from them, we create a workplace where everyone can be the best version of themselves. I’m inspired every day by the dedication and spirit of this community and am grateful to be part of this team!” 

Recognition grounded in employee voices

The recognition reflects not just UC Davis’ strength as an institution, but its commitment to listening to employees. For years, UC Davis has surveyed employees on the Davis campus and at UC Davis Health - a process which has built trust and guided improvements, both small and large. This year, for the first time ever, an enterprise-wide Employee Experience Survey was conducted across UC Davis and UC Davis Health. The survey results have just been released to leaders and included feedback from more than 14,500 employees, both faculty and staff.

Many employees were candid in sharing their experiences and many more shared specific and succinct ideas for improvement. Additionally, the “You Said, Together We Did” campaign, which began with the last round of surveying, highlights bright spots in a long history of listening and making improvements, and there is a plan to use this campaign once again as actions move forward post-survey.  Among the many improvements that have been made historically based upon survey feedback include more flexible work options, tools that strengthen inclusive hiring, and expanded career development resources and opportunities. 

More recently, UC Davis consolidated programs for employee counseling, family care, recognition, and wellness under one coordinated team within the Employee Benefits and Support Services. This alignment ensures that employees can find the resources they need more easily and demonstrates a long-term investment in a healthier, more supportive workplace.

A warm welcome 

Another highlight of the year was the return of UC Davis Health’s New Employee Welcome (NEW) program to an in-person format after years of it being online post-pandemic. The biweekly event has already welcomed more than 750 new colleagues with breakfast, networking, resource fairs, and introductions to the teams shaping UC Davis Health. Nearly 90% of participants said the event helped them feel welcome and experience a sense of belonging - a clear win for building community from day one.

Advancing growth and leadership

Professional growth is also an important pillar of being a great place to work. And along those lines, Career Development Week expanded its lineup this past year with more programs for leaders and new opportunities for employees to build skills for advancement. Live webinars and virtual Action Labs now give managers a chance to put survey feedback into practice, translating ideas into team-level action. This year's Career Development Week 2025 kicks off on Monday, Nov. 17 and all are encouraged to participate!  

A workplace that works 

From flexible wellness programs and family support to opportunities for leadership and learning, UC Davis continues to invest in what matters most: its people. By connecting employee feedback to making meaningful workplace improvements, the university consistently demonstrates why it earns and deserves top marks as a great place to work, learn, and grow.