UConn Health is among Connecticut’s preferred places to work, according to this year’s “America’s Best Employers by State” report by Forbes.

Using survey data from more than 160,000 people who work for U.S. companies with at least 500 employees, Forbes ranks UConn Health No. 5 among the 15 employers headquartered in Connecticut who make the list.

“We have always believed deeply in supporting our incredible workforce which is the driving force behind UConn Health’s excellence in clinical care, teaching and research,” says Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs. “It is therefore extraordinarily important and gratifying for us that an objective outside source has recognized UConn Health as being a top-five place to work in Connecticut.”

The ranking puts UConn Health right behind Yale New Haven Health and in front of Hartford HealthCare.

A market research firm asked survey participants to give a score of zero to 10 that indicates how likely they were to recommend their employer. It also asked respondents to evaluate employers they’d worked for within the past two years, and organizations they knew within their industry or through friends or family who worked there.

“We believe that our people make us the best place to work, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, including our staff, leadership and union partners,” says Lakeesha Brown, who serves as chief human resources officer for both UConn and UConn Health. “Thank you to everyone for making our workplace exceptional — together, we will continue to strive for excellence and innovation.”

Forbes notes that companies pay no fee to participate or be selected in the rankings.

This is the first time UConn Health has made Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers by State” list.

UConn Health has a workforce of more than 5,600 permanent employees working at 11 sites throughout Connecticut. Based in Farmington, its off-campus locations include West Hartford, East Hartford, Canton, Simsbury, Avon, Southington, Storrs, Willimantic, Putnam, and Torrington. Prospective employees can learn more on UConn Health’s job seekers page.

UConn, including Storrs and the campuses beside UConn Health, also placed, ranking 12^th among employers headquartered in Connecticut.