The Eden Prairie-based hearing technology company’s latest recognition is based entirely on employee feedback and follows a string of workplace and culture awards in recent years.
Starkey has been named a 2026 Star Tribune Top Workplace, marking the fifth consecutive year the company has received the distinction. The award is determined solely by employee feedback gathered through a confidential engagement survey measuring workplace culture, leadership, communication, and overall employee experience.
The recognition adds to a growing list of culture-related honors for the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based manufacturer, which has also been named a USA TODAY Top Workplace for four consecutive years and has earned multiple Culture Excellence Awards spanning leadership, innovation, employee well-being, professional development, and purpose-driven work.
Recent internal engagement survey results highlighted employees’ confidence in company leadership, pride in Starkey’s mission, and belief that their work contributes to meaningful outcomes for hearing professionals and patients worldwide.
“The strongest cultures are built on authenticity,” says Jessica Sawalich, chief people officer and executive vice president of culture at Starkey, in a release. “When people feel empowered to be themselves, share their ideas, and contribute in meaningful ways, extraordinary things happen. What makes Starkey special is not only our innovation or our success, it is the people behind it. This recognition reflects a culture grounded in purpose, connection, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.”
Starkey’s chief people officer has previously been recognized for her leadership in building the company’s culture initiatives.
With more than 5,000 employees serving customers in over 100 markets, Starkey says it continues to invest in professional growth opportunities and cross-functional collaboration. The company’s culture framework centers on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“The most innovative companies are built by exceptional people who are united by a shared purpose,” says Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO of Starkey, in a release. “This recognition reflects the culture our employees have created — one that challenges us to think bigger, move faster, and continuously strive for excellence. We are proud to foster an environment where people feel empowered to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful difference.”
As Starkey advances its Omega AI hearing technology platform, the company says its workforce remains central to driving innovation in hearing care.
