WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, May 1, 2025 - Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nationally recognized nonprofit healthcare system dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation, has been named to Becker’s Healthcare’s prestigious “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” list for 2025. Gaylord is the only Connecticut-based organization to earn a spot on this year’s list.
This marks the second time Gaylord has been honored by Becker’s, with its first appearance on the list in 2022.
Becker’s Healthcare, a leading source of news and analysis for healthcare decision-makers nationwide, annually recognizes hospitals, health systems, and healthcare companies that go above and beyond to cultivate exceptional workplace cultures.
Organizations selected for the list are known for providing benefits and career development opportunities that surpass industry norms, encouraging growth, internal leadership, and long-term success for their teams.
“Gaylord is defined by its ‘Think Possible’ culture, strong leadership, and deep employee-patient connection,” states Becker’s.
“Its unique setting creates profound bonds between staff and patients, driving positive outcomes and staff pride. The system empowers caregivers through innovative professional development initiatives such as its Certified Nursing Assistant Academy, the Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation, and a nationally accredited nurse residency program—while achieving an employee retention and satisfaction rate of 84.7%.”
Becker’s also highlighted Gaylord’s forward-thinking approach to employee wellness, noting its offerings like goat yoga, mindfulness training, peer support programs, and integrative care services, and lauded the organization’s culture of gratitude, accessible leadership, and clinical innovation.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare President and CEO Sonja LaBarbera says the recognition reflects the distinctiveness of Gaylord’s patient- and employee-first culture.
“Our employees are the heart of everything we do at Gaylord,” said LaBarbera. “They bring our ‘Think Possible’ mission to life every day and are deeply committed to nurturing a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation that is unlike any other in healthcare.”
This latest accolade joins a growing list of workplace recognitions for Gaylord, including the Top Workplace Award from Hearst Media and the coveted Great Place to Work® Certification.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment. Gaylord’s Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation is a hub for accelerating world-class rehabilitative research, technology development and innovation to improve the quality of life and function of people around the world. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehabilitative care driven by clinical experience, innovation and human compassion.
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