Akron Children’s Hospital on Forbes list of best workplaces for women

08-06-2020 (Akron, Ohio )

Akron Children’s has earned national recognition on Forbes magazine's America’s Best Employers for Women list due to its efforts to support female employees and provide a positive work environment.

The hospital came in at No. 26 on the 2020 list, which positioned it in the top 10% of the 300 companies included. In industry-specific lists, Akron Children’s was ranked fourth nationally in the Healthcare & Social industry.

“In Northeast Ohio, Akron Children’s is known as a great place for women to fulfill their potential in meaningful careers,” said Grace Wakulchik, president and CEO, who became the first woman to lead the organization in 2018. “It’s wonderful to see that our efforts are attracting attention nationally.”

Since its founding as a day nursery by a group of women in 1890, women have played a significant role in Akron Children’s growth and leadership. The hospital today includes two campuses, several health centers and 50-plus primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, as well as more than 7,000 employees.

The hospital’s workforce is 84% female, and more than half of its vice presidents and chief officers are women.

“We have many groups and initiatives dedicated to promoting career development and supporting work life balance for women at Akron Children’s,” Wakulchik said. “And while inclusion on this list is a sign that we’re moving in the right direction, we continue to explore new ways to ensure a positive work environment for women at all levels of the organization.”

The hospital’s participation in the Women’s Leadership Network and its engagement in succession planning to promote more women are just some of the steps it has taken in recent years, Wakulchik said.

In its third annual ranking of the best employers for women, Forbes collaborated with market research firm Statista, surveying 75,000 Americans, including 45,000 women, working for businesses that employ more than 1,000 workers. The respondents spanned 31 industries and were asked to share their opinion on a series of statements about their respective employer’s culture, opportunities for career development, image, working conditions, salary and wages and diversity.

To see the list, go to https://www.forbes.com/best-employers-women/#5ac1dd807de9.