An initiative to create a more nurturing workplace helped First Busey improve its employee engagement, its standing with customers, and its performance.

Sometimes what makes a bank a great place to work is more about the coworkers than the job itself.

Citizens Bank of West Virginia in Elkins boosts morale by having employees deliver surprise gifts of thousands of dollars each year to residents of its hardscrabble town (pop. 7,000).

Make it three in a row for Live Oak Bank. Initiatives like "Live Oak U" help explain why this bank has topped our list of the best places to work for three years running.

HomeBanc's chairman and chief executive, Jerry Campbell, prefers not to be addressed as "Mr. Campbell." If an employee of any rank has a question, "Hey, Jerry" suffices.

Bell Bank, No. 3 in the overall ranking, is No. 1 in the category for banks with $3 billion to $10 billion of assets.

Popular among employees: The Wow, Win and Spirit awards, which come with different levels of monetary prizes, go to exceptional employees throughout the year. Then, at the end of the year, there is a drawing from the pool of winners for a $1,000 prize.

Benchmark Bank is willing to work with the people who work for it.

Pinnacle, No. 6 in the overall ranking, is No. 2 in the category for banks with $3 billion to $10 billion of assets.

Activity to relieve stress/promote fun: When temperatures exceeded 108 degrees during a heat wave last year, Veritex hired a Kona Shaved Ice truck to visit all offices and give employees free icy treats.

Fitness/wellness program: Machias Savings hosts several different types of exercise classes that are free to employees, including yoga, aerobics and cardio kickboxing. Classes typically take place on site after work and occasionally during lunch hours.

Popular with employees: Employees dress up for the Halloween costume contest, and children of employees and customers trick-or-treat at the bank during business hours.

Popular with employees: The "Give a Wow" program allows employees to recognize each other for going above and beyond. Points are awarded and can be used to purchase items from a designated website.

Fitness/wellness program: The "Biggest Loser" 10-week weight loss campaign awards teams and individuals for the most pounds and largest percentage of pounds lost. During the 2016 campaign, 189 employees lost 876 pounds and received prizes ranging from $600 to $1,000.

Amarillo National Bank, No. 12 in the overall ranking, is No. 3 in the category for banks with $3 billion to $10 billion of assets.

Popular with employees: On most Fridays, each office organizes free breakfast, such as donuts, bagels with cream cheese or homemade casseroles.

Career development/training program: Employees receive a gold coin each time Independences adds another $100 million in assets. Accumulating 10 coins gets an employee a chance to go to Disney World for three days of training in customer service excellence.

Popular with employees: Employees submit ideas to improve the bank through an intranet site. The reward for ideas that get implemented is a cash prize ranging from $25 to $1,000.

Popular with employees: Competition is fierce in the office door decoration contest at Christmastime.

Popular with employees: On-site childcare is available at the Brookings location, and the children sometimes come through the office to visit employees, which adds fun to the workday.