Award Recognizes Starkey’s Culture of Innovation, Excellence, and Purpose
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (June 15, 2026) — Starkey has been named a 2026 Star Tribune Top Workplace, marking the fifth consecutive year the company has earned the distinction. The award is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential engagement survey that measures workplace culture, leadership, communication, and employee experience.
The recognition reflects Starkey’s continued commitment to fostering a workplace where employees are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of people around the world.
“The strongest cultures are built on authenticity,” said Jessica Sawalich, Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Culture at Starkey. “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.”
The Top Workplace recognition follows another year of strong employee engagement across the organization. Recent engagement survey results highlighted employees’ confidence in leadership, pride in the company’s mission, and belief that their work contributes to meaningful outcomes for hearing professionals and patients worldwide.
With more than 5,000 employees serving customers in over 100 markets, Starkey continues to invest in creating an environment where people can grow professionally, contribute their unique talents, and collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. The company’s culture is built on innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and a commitment to excellence without exception.
“The most innovative companies are built by exceptional people who are united by a shared purpose,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starkey. “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.”
Starkey has received numerous workplace and culture recognitions in recent years, including being named a USA TODAY Top Workplace for four consecutive years and earning multiple Culture Excellence Awards recognizing leadership, innovation, employee well-being, professional development, and purpose-driven work.
As Starkey continues to advance the future of hearing technology through innovations such as Omega AI, the company remains focused on creating a workplace where employees are inspired to challenge conventions, pursue excellence, and improve lives through the power of better hearing.
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About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
