Ohio University Recognized as a top Employer in 2025
Table of Contents
Athens, OH – ohio University has been lauded as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2025 by Forbes and Statista, a distinction based entirely on feedback from its workforce. This recognition underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work surroundings.
A Culture of Appreciation
President Lori Stewart Gonzalez emphasized that the university’s greatest asset is its employees, stating, “This recognition affirms that Ohio University’s greatest strength is the talent, commitment and care our employees bring to their work every day.” She further expressed honor that faculty and staff have affirmed OHIO as a premier place to work, and pledged continued commitment to employee value and support as part of the university’s Dynamic Strategy.
Rankings and Recognition
Forbes ranked Ohio University 36th among 100 employers within the state and notably, fourth among public universities. This achievement highlights the university’s success in cultivating a thriving workplace. Additionally, the university secured a position on Forbes’ list of best mid-size employers, climbing 17 spots to 108th out of 498 companies in 2025.
The Forbes list evaluates employers across various sectors, prioritizing strong workplace cultures, supportive environments, and rewarding career opportunities. The rankings are resolute by the direct experiences and opinions of employees.
Did You No? Employee feedback is the sole basis for the Forbes America’s best-In-State Employers award, making it a truly employee-driven honor.
Investing in Employees
Ohio University’s commitment to an employee-first approach is evident in its inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplace culture.The university provides a complete benefits package designed to support employees throughout their careers and personal lives. A strong emphasis is placed on professional growth, career advancement, and ongoing investment in its people.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Key benefits offered to Ohio University employees include comprehensive health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, and winter break; tuition waivers for employees and their dependents; robust retirement plans; paid parental leave and adoption assistance; employee discounts; and access to tuition-free courses for continuing education.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Coverage | Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans |
| Paid Time Off | Generous allowances for vacation, sick leave, and holidays |
| Tuition Benefits | Waivers for employees and eligible dependents |
| Retirement Plans | OPERS, STRS, and alternative Retirement Plan options |
dynamic Strategy and Workplace Well-being
This recognition aligns directly with Ohio University’s Dynamic Strategy, which prioritizes “Work” as a core pillar. The university is actively investing in the employee experience, focusing on recruitment, retention, development, and overall well-being. Recent initiatives include freezing employee health benefit costs through fiscal year 2027 and launching the Center for OHIO Employee Excellence to enhance onboarding,training,and hiring processes.
“We’re proud to see Ohio University once again recognized by Forbes as a leading employer in higher education,” said vice President of Human Resources Mary Elizabeth Miles. “This recognition also underscores the impact of our Dynamic Strategy Work Pillar, which is helping to drive meaningful progress in strengthening our work culture and enhancing the overall employee experience.”
Pro Tip: Prioritizing employee well-being is increasingly linked to improved organizational performance and innovation, as highlighted in research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) ([1]).
Methodology
Forbes partnered with Statista to survey over 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies with at least 500 people. Respondents rated their employers on a scale of zero to ten, evaluating factors such as wage parity, work culture, professional advancement opportunities, and responsiveness to critical issues. They were also asked to assess previous employers and organizations within their industries.
Are you considering a career in higher education? What factors are most crucial to you when evaluating a potential employer?
For more data about working at Ohio University, please visit ohio.edu/hr/jobs/working-ohio.
Looking Ahead: Trends in Employee Experience
The emphasis on employee experience is a growing trend across all industries. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that a positive work environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. This includes not only competitive compensation and benefits but also opportunities for professional development, work-life balance, and a sense of purpose. The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is also becoming increasingly important, as employees seek workplaces that value and respect their individuality. According to a 2023 Gallup poll,employees who feel included are 87% more likely to be engaged at work ([2]).
Frequently Asked questions
- What makes Ohio University a good place to work? Ohio University prioritizes a supportive work environment, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- What is Ohio University’s Dynamic Strategy? it’s a university-wide plan that focuses on key areas, including a commitment to strengthening the employee experience.
- What benefits does Ohio University offer its employees? The university offers a wide range of benefits, including health coverage, paid time off, tuition waivers, and retirement plans.
- How did Forbes determine its rankings? The rankings are based on anonymous employee surveys conducted in partnership with Statista.
- What is the Center for OHIO Employee Excellence? it’s a new initiative designed to enhance onboarding,training,and hiring processes.
