UC Davis Health recognized as one of America’s greatest workplaces for women, inclusion and diversity

UC Davis Health has been named to two of Newsweek’s workplace lists for 2025: America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity. These honors reflect more than a title – they speak to our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Advancing gender equity in the workplace

While gender disparities persist across the U.S. – from unequal pay to underrepresentation in leadership – UC Davis Health continues to actively close those gaps by designing policies, programs and pathways that support women at every stage of their careers.

The health system offers benefits and resources that help employees grow professionally while caring for their families and themselves. These include tuition assistance, generous leave policies, mentorship opportunities, and lactation accommodations, among others. In addition, hiring, promotion, and leadership development practices are continually evaluated to ensure equity is embedded at every stage of the employee experience.

But UC Davis Health’s efforts go beyond individual programs. Our teams foster a workplace culture where transparency, accountability and inclusion are daily priorities, supported through meaningful action.

Employees also have regular opportunities to provide feedback, which informs system wide improvements in policy, programming, and engagement.

A culture of inclusion and belonging

Inclusion at UC Davis Health is not a standalone initiative – it is a core part of our values. This commitment is evident across multiple areas:

• Inclusive hiring practices: Our “Hiring for Success” training helps reduce bias and foster fairness in recruitment. In 2024, we achieved a 20% local hiring rate, supporting economic vitality in underserved communities.
  

• Pipeline and outreach programs: Initiatives like AvenueM, SHINES, and White Coat Week are helping to diversify the future of health care by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  

• Community-focused partnerships: Through our Anchor Institution Mission, we invest in local businesses, collaborate with neighborhood organizations, and support career readiness through community-based events.
  

• Staff engagement and feedback: Employee surveys such as the Employee Experience Survey and I-DARE directly inform organizational priorities and action plans, including those related to equity, belonging, and wellness. Read about improvements made in response to employee feedback by visiting the ‘You Said, Together We Did’ stories homepage. 

National recognition, local impact

Newsweek’s awards are based on an in-depth evaluation of public data, employee feedback, and human resources insights. Selection criteria include compensation and benefits, training and career progression, corporate culture, work-life balance, and overall workplace environment.

UC Davis Health’s recognition on both lists underscores the strength of our values-driven culture and our commitment to equity in action. These honors add to our growing list of national accolades, including Forbes Best Employers for Women (2024), Forbes Best Employers for Diversity (2024), Forbes “America’s Dream Employers” (2025), Forbes’ No. 1 hospital or health system employer in California, an LGBTQ+ healthcare equity leader. In additionTammy Kenber, chief human resources officer, was named one of Becker’s 84+ CHRO’s to Know in 2025.

Continuous listening

These achievements, and many more, are made possible by the backbone of UC Davis Health: our employees. Every improvement we make – big or small – starts with our employees speaking up about what’s working and where we can do better. That’s why we regularly ask for their input and act on what we learn.

Beginning May 5, employees will once again have the opportunity to share their experiences through the Employee Experience Survey. This survey helps us identify what’s working, uncover areas for improvement, and continue building a workplace where everyone can succeed.