Stryker climbs Fortune list of 100 best companies to work for

Stryker has been ranked as the 19th best US-based company to work for in an annual list compiled by Fortune magazine.

The medical technology firm was able to move 23 places up the list compared to its 2014 ranking, with the quality of its approach to HR and people management earning it particular praise.

Stryker was lauded for offering employees tuition reimbursement, an average of three weeks of training every year and stock options for some employees, with a window of up to ten years for exercising.

The fact it has been able to grow its sales to $9.7 billion (6.48 billion pounds) in 2014 – up from $17 million in 1976 – has also greatly enhanced its ability to create new jobs.

Steve Benscoter, vice-president of global human resources at Stryker, said: "Talent and culture are our most powerful competitive advantages … Our investment in employee growth and development is a top priority and is evident as we see our employees drive to make healthcare better."

Last month, the company expanded its business capabilities further with the opening of its new European regional headquarters in Amsterdam.