While many companies offer profit-sharing incentives, Delta Air Lines has elevated the practice to an extraordinary level.
On February 13, the airline is set to distribute a staggering $1.3 billion in profit-sharing to its more than 100,000 eligible employees. This one-time payment equates to 8.9% of each employee’s annual salary, providing over four weeks of additional pay. This massive payout is the latest chapter in Delta’s long tradition of sharing its prosperity; notably, the company distributed a record $1.5 billion back in 2015.
According to Allison Ausband, Delta’s executive vice president and chief people officer, this generosity is strategic. “We listen to and invest in our people so they can put 110% into taking care of our customers,” she explained. “And when the business does well because of their hard work, they deserve to share in that success.”
This substantial financial commitment is a primary reason Delta secured the No. 13 spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers 2026. Other contributing factors include the company’s generous 12-week parental leave for both parents, programs that connect frontline staff with leadership, and an emergency savings plan utilized by over 40,000 employees.
To compile this 11th annual ranking, Forbes collaborated with Statista to survey over 217,000 U.S. employees at companies with more than 1,000 workers. Organizations were categorized by size: those with 1,000 to 5,000 employees were classified as midsize, while those with over 5,000 were considered large employers.
Participants were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their employer to friends and family, as well as to evaluate specific criteria, including compensation, work-life balance, leadership development, and advancement opportunities. The survey also captured feedback on previous employers (within the last two years) and companies known through industry or personal connections.
After analyzing the responses and assigning scores, the top 1,200 organizations were selected. The final lists comprise 500 America’s Best Midsize Employers and 700 America’s Best Large Employers.
Like Delta, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—ranked No. 2 this year—emphasizes sharing success and purpose with its workforce. Beyond the intrinsic motivation of aiding children, the hospital offers robust benefits and community-building activities, such as intramural sports and "Judestock," a live music event at its Memphis campus.
“Every employee, regardless of role, understands that their work directly impacts the lives of children in Memphis and around the world,” said Dana Bottenfield, senior vice president of human resources. “That sense of purpose is a powerful motivator.”
This year, the top honor went to Trader Joe’s, which rose from No. 2 in 2025 to claim the No. 1 spot. They were followed in the top five by Google (No. 3), Microsoft (No. 4), and Stanford University (No. 5), which jumped significantly from its No. 26 ranking the previous year.
American Express also made a notable climb, landing at No. 8 after ranking No. 25 in 2025. The company is renowned for its focus on employee development, having hosted leadership skill-building sessions for 30,000 employees in 2025 alone. “Our leaders are expected to build trust and care for their teams in the same way we do for our customers,” noted Monique Herena, chief colleague experience officer.
Rounding out the top 15 is Washington University in St. Louis at No. 14. To keep faculty and staff engaged, the institution regularly reviews its compensation and benefits to ensure competitiveness with peer institutions. According to Apryle Gadney, vice chancellor and chief human resources officer, these reviews have led to enhanced mentorship, additional training, and a suite of holistic wellness programs.
Whether through competitive perks, a strong sense of mission, or direct financial rewards like profit-sharing, America’s Best Large Employers have demonstrated a commitment to sharing their success with the people who make it possible.
Methodology
Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers 2026 list is derived from a survey of more than 217,000 employees at U.S. companies with over 1,000 employees. Conducted in partnership with Statista, the study categorized organizations into two groups: midsize employers (1,000 to 5,000 employees) and large employers (more than 5,000 employees).
Respondents provided anonymous feedback regarding their willingness to recommend their employer. They also rated their organizations on various metrics, including salary, work environment, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. The survey additionally gathered opinions on previous employers (from the past two years) and external organizations known through industry or personal networks.
The final scores were calculated by tallying these responses and incorporating data from the previous three years to identify consistently high-performing companies. More recent data and feedback from current employees were weighted more heavily. In total, 1,200 organizations secured a spot on the final lists: 500 on the Midsize list and 700 on the Large list.
As with all Forbes rankings, participating companies pay no fee to be included or selected.