The Best Credit Unions to Work For

September 20, 2020 9:16 PM

Enjoy complimentary access to top ideas and insights — selected by our editors.

It’s an understatement to say that 2020 hasn’t been the year anyone expected, but these credit unions have found ways to adapt and support their employees.

Fifty institutions made Credit Union Journal’s annual ranking of the Best Credit Unions to Work For this year. Executives at these institutions were able to distinguish their credit unions by ramping up benefits and support as the coronavirus wreaked havoc on the workplace and economy. These steps included developing ways for employees to still socialize with each other despite working remotely, paying staff for a full-time schedule even if their hours were cut, and reimbursing cell phone and internet expenses for those working from home.

Besides adjusting to the pandemic, these credit unions offered other unusual perks.

Some focused on unique health benefits, such as paying for a subscription service to life-flight helicopters that can transport employees during a medical emergency. Another credit union offered a program where workers bank paid time off that can be used later in the event of a serious illness.

Other credit unions provided frequent free meals, bring-your-dog-to-work days and corporate Olympic games to bolster employee morale. And of course there were celebrations, including Halloween costume contests, holiday day parties and an Easter egg hunt.

An explanation of how each year's winners are selected can be found here.

As always, the list is also broken down by asset size.

For the Best Credit Credit Unions to Work For under $200 million in assets, click here.
For the Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets from $200 million to $500 million, click here.
For the Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets from $500 million to $1 billion, click here.
For the Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets over $1 billion, click here.

The following are highlights from each credit union that made the 2020 ranking of Best Credit Unions to Work For.

Note: The asset size for each institution listed is as of June 30, according to data from the National Credit Union Administration. All credit unions are referred to by their chartered name as listed by NCUA.

Consumers Credit Union

Kalamazoo, Mich.
Assets: $1.5 billion
Overall rank: 1
Asset category rank: 1
President and CEO: Kit Snyder

• The credit union helps employees improve their skills through in-house training, including four levels of leadership development.
• To promote wellness, the credit union has onsite walking trails.
• The credit union celebrates workers by recognizing “years of service” with awards and annual events, such as professional development day and a networking party.

Pictured above: At Consumers Credit Union’s professional development day this year, employees, including Riley O’Keefe, took time out from learning to give back to the community. Staff assembled care packages, including hand-colored cards, for the Happy Hope Factory. The packages were delivered to patients staying at children’s hospitals throughout Michigan.

InFirst Federal Credit Union

Alexandria, Va.
Assets: $186 million
Overall rank: 2
Asset category rank: 1
President and CEO: Martha Wye

• Employees participated in “virtual spirit week,” which included fun activities such as wearing Hawaiian attire on Monday and taking a picture with a pet on Thursday.
• Staff are provided two computer monitors and a stand up desk.
• Upon being hired, all new employees are offered a mentor to help them learn, develop and grow.

Pictured: InFirst Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO Martha Wye hosts a celebration for the grand re-opening of a branch.

Nymeo Federal Credit Union

Frederick, Md.
Assets: $314 million
Overall rank: 3
Asset category rank: 1
President and CEO: Victoria Johnston

• Employees participate in teambuilding bowling outings.
• The credit union offers “stand out staff awards,” which are an incentive for employees who identify expense reduction or income opportunities.
• The credit union hosts a “bring-your-dog-to-work day” as one employee-centric initiative.

Pictured: Nymeo Federal Credit Union staffers send a reassuring message to members during the coronavirus that states, “We miss our members! We look forward to seeing you again! No matter your financial situation, know that we are here to serve you.”

Idaho State University Federal Credit Union

Pocatello, Idaho
Assets: $262 million
Overall rank: 4
Asset category rank: 2
President and CEO: Doug Chambers

• Employees appreciate that immediate family members are invited to corporate events.
• The credit union has a self-funded insurance plan that includes auditing and advocate services so employees won’t face unreasonable charges.
• The credit union offers quarterly life skills training classes that provide workers with opportunities to learn important skills, such as public speaking and first aid.

Pictured: ISU Credit Union employees participate in a river cleanup day. The institution has a volunteer program, Teal Team VI, which rewards employees for getting involved in marketing and community efforts. Over 1,500 volunteer hours were logged by 80 employees in 2019.

JANSSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Colorado Credit Union

Littleton, Colo.
Assets: $248 million
Overall rank: 5
Asset category rank: 3
President and CEO: Michael Williams

• The credit union offers a tuition-reimbursement program of up to $3,000 for any class related to an employee’s job or career path.
• The credit union offers up to a 4% match for employee contributions to its 401(k) plan and provides profit sharing each year.
• To promote wellness during the pandemic, the credit union subscribed to a program called Wellbeats that offers virtual gym classes and recipes for employees.

Pictured: In a photo taken prior to the pandemic, the Colorado Credit Union team provides a sneak peek of a branch under construction.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

North Charleston, S.C.
Assets: $2.1 billion
Overall rank: 6
Asset category rank: 2
President and CEO: Scott Woods

• The credit union’s president recognizes top performers across all levels of retail sales and service at the annual President’s Club Awards ceremony. Prizes include weekend destination getaways.
• The credit union’s 15Five software allows employees from across the state to engage with one another and show public, virtual appreciation via the high five tool.
• Though this year’s spirit week occurred during the pandemic, employees still had fun dressing up for twin day, prom day and decade day.

Pictured: South Carolina Federal Credit Union’s employees attend this year’s President’s Club Awards ceremony.

America’s First Federal Credit Union

Birmingham, Ala.
Assets: $1.9 billion
Overall rank: 7
Asset category rank: 3
President and CEO: Bill Connor

• The credit union’s “comment card of the month” program features an employee who has received positive remarks on a member service survey, and is included on social media and an employee newsletter.
• For doing an exceptional job, employees get to spin a prize wheel during the monthly managers meeting. Prizes include a gift card and a day off.
• America’s First goes all out for Halloween each year. Departments and branches decorate their areas according to a specific theme as part of a competition.

Pictured: Graduates of America’s First Federal Credit Union’s SUCCESS program hold hats representing what they found most meaningful from their experience while participating in the professional development initiative.

Fairwinds Credit Union

Orlando, Fla.
Assets: $3.2 billion
Overall rank: 8
Asset category rank: 4
President and CEO: Larry Tobin

• Fairwinds contributes $700 per year to full-time employees' health savings accounts.
• Staffers who do an outstanding job are nominated for and inducted into the President’s Club and Executive Club. President’s Club winners go on a cruise to the Bahamas with the CEO and Executive Club honorees attend a VIP celebration at Disney World.
• Managers are encouraged to provide their staff members with performance bonuses ranging from $100 to $5,000 for exceptional work. In 2019, $283,575 was awarded to employees.

Pictured: Fairwinds Credit Union employee Missy Bonhoff had her much-anticipated trip to Hawaii cancelled due to COVID-19, so her coworkers bring Hawaii to her. From top left: Brandon Mullen, branch manager; Jordan Bower, lead MSR; Shannon Ward, MSR; Bonhoff; Ana Candelaria, assistant branch manager; Alia Douaidary, MSR; Sunita Rodriguez, MSR; and Wilda Graudiel, loan officer.

Notre Dame Federal Credit Union

Notre Dame, Ind.
Assets: $843 million
Overall rank: 9
Asset category rank: 1
CEO: Thomas Gryp

• The credit union hosts a President’s Dinner once a year for employees who earn a rating of at least a four on a five-point scale for their annual performance review. They can bring a guest to the celebration for gifts, cocktails, dinner and socializing.
• The institution pays for each employee to complete a financial wellness course.
• Notre Dame FCU cover 100% of the costs for a 52-week online weight loss program.

Pictured: The credit union’s party-planning committee gets ready for the annual Halloween costume contest. Employees vote for their favorites and winners receive gift cards attached to pumpkins.

Deseret First Federal Credit Union

West Valley City, Utah
Assets: $793 million
Overall rank: 10
Asset category rank: 2
President and CEO: Shane London

• Employees and their family members have access to free counseling, including through video conferencing, to help during stressful times.
• Employees have access to free legal advice through Rocket Lawyer.
• The credit union offers formal coaching programs through the Deseret First Leadership Institute, an intensive professional development program for current managers and those aspiring to be a leader.

Pictured: Deseret First Federal Credit Union employees attend the general session during the annual “all staff training day.”

Heritage Federal Credit Union

Newburgh, Ind.
Assets: $747 million
Overall rank: 11
Asset category rank: 3
CEO: David Milligan

• The credit union offers dental and vision insurance to part-time employees.
• The “employee engagement” team helps organize and promote events for staff members and their families, such as the annual holiday party, fall outing, sporting events and a walking challenge.
• All employees receive a year-end bonus based upon measured results.

Pictured: The Heritage Federal Credit Union team gathers for a day of learning on Feb. 17.

Texas Tech Federal Credit Union

Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $262 million
Overall rank: 12
Asset category rank: 4
CEO: Chris Hutson

• Texas Tech Credit Union recognizes an “employee of the quarter” for each quarter. Any staff member may submit a nominee, and winners are given a personalized award and a paid day off.
• Employees receive a paid day off every quarter to volunteer.
• Every employee must take a mandatory week of vacation so that they can recharge.

Pictured: Texas Tech Credit Union’s accounting team dresses up as an arcade claw machine for Halloween.

Northern Credit Union

Watertown. N.Y.
Assets: $358 million
Overall rank: 13
Asset category rank: 5
CEO: Daniel St. Hilaire

• Northern Credit Union provides a profit-sharing plan, which allows workers to take ownership of the institution’s success.
• Staffers who reach important service anniversaries for employment are honored by senior management. Pictures of these celebrations are shared throughout the credit union.
• The Wow Space recognizes employees who have gone above and beyond, and are shared through the institution’s intranet system. Winners are selected through member and internal feedback.

Pictured: After a shopper learns that her groceries have been paid for by Northern Credit Union, she gives CEO Daniel St. Hilaire a hug.

Coastal Federal Credit Union

Raleigh, N.C.
Assets: $3.7 billion
Overall rank: 14
Asset category rank: 5
President and CEO: Chuck Purvis

• The credit union celebrates employees’ years of service with formal awards and gifts.
• The institution provides credit for an internal store where workers can purchase Coastal-branded clothing and accessories.
• A ping pong table stationed in the lunch room allows employees to relax and have fun.

Pictured: Coastal Credit Union employees help build a house through Habitat for Humanity.

Veridian Credit Union

Waterloo, Iowa
Assets: $4.8 billion
Overall rank: 15
Asset category rank: 6
President and CEO: Renee Christoffer

• The credit union gives employees bonuses at five-year intervals to thank them for their hard work.
• The credit union provides reimbursement for expenses related to adopting a child. Eligible full-time employee may receive up to $5,000 per child for qualified expenses, and part-time workers can get up to $2,500.
• Infertility treatment is covered under the credit union’s health care plan, which is offered to both full-time and part-time employees.

Pictured: Employees from the credit union’s personnel and recruitment team deliver gift bags to a local hospital to celebrate International Credit Union Day. Each year, Veridian gives each branch and department a small budget to conduct random acts of kindness to mark the occasion.

University of Illinois Community Credit Union

Champaign, Ill.
Assets: $412 million
Overall rank: 16
Asset category rank: 6
CEO: Chris Harlan

• The credit union matches employee donations to the United Way campaign.
• The credit union offers CUNA’s Creating Member Loyalty program where employees earn “bucks” for a job well done that are redeemable for gift cards.
• Management provides surprises for employees frequently, such as fun contests, breakfast treats and spring cookies.

Pictured: Garvin Gerdes, a lending specialist, dresses up for St. Patrick’s Day to spread luck and give out candy.

Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union

Dallas
Assets: $76 million
Overall rank: 17
Asset category rank: 2
CEO: Melanie Kennedy

• To help reduce stress, management hires a massage therapist every quarter to provide free massages to staff.
• Employees enjoy fun contests, such as a pumpkin decorating competition and an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
• During the pandemic, management is reimbursing employees’ cell phone and internet expenses.

Pictured: CEO Melanie Kennedy (center) presents a check to the North Texas Food Bank. The credit union donated both canned goods and money to the organization.

Leaders Credit Union

Jackson, Tenn.
Assets: $495 million
Overall rank: 18
Asset category rank: 7
President and CEO: Todd Swims

• The credit union offers four weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
• Leaders attracts millennial and Gen Z employees by offering a relaxed atmosphere at its electronic service center. There is no dress code and music is always playing.
• The credit union subscribes to the AirMedCare Network, a team of life-flight helicopters that can transport employees during a medical emergency for free.

Pictured: Employees gather for the annual Champion Summit.

America First Credit Union

Riverdale, Utah
Assets: $13.4 billion
Overall rank: 19
Asset category rank: 7
President and CEO: John Lund

• The credit union sponsors Picnic in the Parkway, which features a barbeque and lawn games.
• Workers and their families can attend one of the four activities hosted through the “annual employee summer social.”
• The Care-A-Lot Fund allows employees to donate money to support coworkers who are facing a catastrophic event.

Pictured: America First Federal Credit Union employees wait to help raise donations for the Souper Bowl of Caring in partnership with KUTV. This event supports the Utah Food Bank.

American Heritage Federal Credit Union

Philadelphia
Assets: $3 billion
Overall rank: 20
Asset category rank: 8
President and CEO: Bruce Foulke

• The credit union’s employee recognition program honors workers who show exemplary performance, teamwork and dedication. Nominees are selected by their peers.
• At the annual employee appreciation day, the management team hosts a day of fun, games and food. Each event is themed and management and workers come dressed in costume or jeans and sneakers.
• The credit union hosts an annual Christmas in July celebration where employees wear holiday attire at work.

Pictured: During a heritage-themed employee appreciation day, the management team dresses in attire representing various cultures and backgrounds. The event included games and food from different countries.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union

Jacksonville, Ark.
Assets: $1.5 billion
Overall rank: 21
Asset category rank: 9
President and CEO: Rodney Showmar

• When employees go above and beyond to serve members, the credit union’s executive team shares success stories with the entire company.
• The credit unions sponsors “bracket challenges” where employees get to vote on their favorite things, such as fast food restaurants, movies and binge-worthy television.
• The credit union seeks feedback from workers through employee-engagement surveys and town hall meetings. This ensures that every staff member has a voice regardless of their title.

Pictured: Several Arkansas Federal Credit Union division leaders showcase their axe throwing skills during a team-building outing.

One Nevada Credit Union

Las Vegas
Assets: $1.1 billion*
Overall rank: 22
Asset category rank: 4
President and CEO: Paul Parrish

• Top performing employees are honored during the annual TOPS event, which stands for “teamwork, opportunity, progress and service.”
• Last year the institution started offering onsite mindfulness classes, resources and workshops for employees.
• The credit union offers backup child or elder care if an employee’s regular caregiver is suddenly not available.

Pictured: Employees gather for One Nevada Credit Union’s annual TOPS awards celebration. This year’s theme was Broadway musicals.

*One Nevada was under $1 billion in assets when winners were selected. Because of that, it is included in the category for credit unions with between $500 million and $1 billion in assets.

Atomic Credit Union

Piketon, Ohio
Assets: $410 million
Overall rank: 23
Asset category rank: 8
President and CEO: Thomas Griffiths

• The credit union recognizes internal staff promotions through emails, press releases and social media posts.
• The credit union contributes 10% of the employee’s annual salary to a 401(k) account divided up over four quarters. Part-time workers are also allowed to enroll in the retirement plan once they have met certain requirements.
• Atomic covers 100% of the premium costs on health, dental and vision insurance for employees and 90% for employees' dependents.

Pictured: Atomic Credit Union staff members serve hot dogs during a school supply event sponsored by Compel Street Ministries, a local ministry in Wellston, Ohio.

Landings Credit Union

Tempe, Ariz.
Assets: $197 million
Overall rank: 24
Asset category rank: 3
CEO: Brian Lee

• Landings covers deductibles so employees have no out of pocket healthcare costs.
• Employees enjoy “credit union Olympic” games and Connect 4 tournaments.
• The institution hosts fun holiday activities, including cookie and gift exchanges and an ugly sweater competition.

Pictured: Employees sort through groceries bought from Costco. To help staff during the pandemic, the credit union completed a Costco order so workers didn’t have to venture out to shop and gave everyone $50 toward their purchase.

Altura Credit Union

Riverside, Calif.
Assets: $1.8 billion
Overall rank: 25
Asset category rank: 10
CEO: Jennifer Binkley

• Staff members can take advantage of Altura’s employee assistance loan program meant to help with financial hardships. The loans have no interest and no credit qualifications, and the first payment isn’t due for 90 days.
• The credit union offers an onsite wellness program and access to a health and wellness coach.
• To help bolster morale, managers are given $10 per worker each quarter to plan a fun activity.

Pictured: Employees drop off popcorn to show their appreciation for workers at a local hospital.

Southland Credit Union

Los Alamitos, Calif.
Assets: $931 million
Overall rank: 21
Asset category rank: 5
President and CEO: Thomas Lent

• The Associate and President’s Awards are given annually to two sales employees and two support personnel. The associates of the year each receive $3,000. The President’s Award honorees get $1,500 each.
• The activities committee, which includes one representative from each branch, hosts potlucks for the holidays and to occasionally celebrate reaching an important milestone, such as achieving a strategic goal.
• Employees nominate their coworkers for the Service Champions award for outstanding service. Winners are announced at quarterly staff meetings and receive a $50 gift card and a certificate.

Pictured: Members of the management team help with a holiday toy drive for Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Columbia, S.C.
Assets: $1.1 billion*
Overall rank: 27
Asset category rank: 6
President and CEO: Nicholas Wodogaza

• Benefits for staff members include breast cancer awareness training and free flu shots.
• The employees’ activities committee organizes up to eight events every year, including some for families. The group also provides gifts to workers who go through a major life event, such as the birth of a child.
• The Palmetto Award is given biweekly from one employee to another to recognize commitment to the credit union’s values and service standards. Winners have their picture posted to the institution’s intranet.

Pictured: Chris Morris, an employee of Palmetto Citizens, helps during a service day at Carolina Wildlife Center.

*Palmetto Citizens was under $1 billion in assets when winners were selected. Because of that, it is included in the category for credit unions with between $500 million and $1 billion in assets.

Nusenda Credit Union

Albuquerque. N.M.
Assets: $2.9 billion
Overall rank: 28
Asset category rank: 11
President and CEO: Joe Christian

• To help with professional development, employees can participate in onsite training classes and attend national speaker events.
• The credit union offers various employee discounts on items and services, such as gym memberships, Verizon wireless services and Garmin devices.
• The credit union renamed Columbus Day as Community Day, and employees can participate in events that help their community in a number of ways.

Pictured: During Nusenda Credit Union Community Day, teams support Rio Grande Community Farm, a two-acre community garden offering educational programming and support of sustainable agricultural initiatives. Employees helped with planting, produce sorting and ground maintenance.

Denver Community Credit Union

Denver
Assets: $393 million
Overall rank: 29
Asset category rank: 9
Co-CEOs: Tessa Bonfante and Shane Silvernale

• Employees enjoy free ice cream on Thursdays during the summer months.
• The credit union covers 55% of employees’ annual Sam’s Club membership fee.
• To help relief stress related to COVID-19, managers coordinated a series of fun activities via the credit union’s intranet portal, including themed days and a video joke series.

Pictured: Staff members enjoy a drink after participating in a 5K fundraising event.

Ascend Federal Credit Union

Tullahoma, Tenn.
Assets: $2.9 billion
Overall rank: 30
Asset category rank: 12
President and CEO: Caren Gabriel

• Ascend hosts an annual picnic for employees and their families. The event is carnival themed and includes food booths, a petting zoo, bingo, cash door prizes and train rides.
• Each November, employees host a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, which works as a central distribution center for donations. Last year, enough food was collected to help support 27 different agencies across the mid-state.
• Employees get can reimbursed for entry fees to races through the Running to Ascend program.

Pictured: Employees participate in a companywide Halloween costume contest, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Costumed for a Cure program. The 2019 contest winners were from the legal department, and the group portrayed The Addams Family.

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union

Denver
Assets: $260 million
Overall rank: 31
Asset category rank: 10
President and CEO: Christine Wiley

• Employees receive letters from the board along with a gift card to recognize their customer service and excellent job performance.
• The institution matches up to 4% of an employee’s contribution to a retirement plan. It also provides 4% of the worker’s annual compensation through a profit-sharing plan.
• To help advance staff members’ careers, the credit union offers monthly online classes, job shadowing, group training sessions and individual coaching.

Pictured: Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union employees have fun during member appreciation day in the summer of 2019.

Cyprus Federal Credit Union

West Jordan, Utah
Assets: $1.3 billion
Overall rank: 32
Asset category rank: 13
CEO: Todd Adamson

• Employees select the activities played in Cyprus’s corporate Olympic games, such as bowling, poker and softball.
• The credit union offers an employee assistance program that provides legal, financial and insurance resources.
• The CEO hosts a monthly birthday lunch where employees are invited to dine with the executive team to celebrate their birthdays.

Pictured: Cyprus workers get ready to serve dinner to families at the Ronald McDonald House.

Community Choice Credit Union

Johnston, Iowa
Assets: $631 million
Overall rank: 33
Asset category rank: 7
CEO: Josh Cook

• Because schools and daycares closed due to the pandemic, employees were given 40 hours of special paid time off to help them address any family obligations.
• The credit union provides free pizza from a local restaurant on the third Wednesday of every month.
• Employees receive 16 hours of paid time off so they can volunteer.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a rubber duck scavenger hunt during the credit union’s annual weeklong kickoff to summer, called “It’s Always Sunny with UNbanking.” Every duck has a bill tapped to the bottom, ranging from $1 to $100.

Simplicity Credit Union

Marshfield, Wis.
Assets: $312 million
Overall rank: 34
Asset category rank: 11
President and CEO: Patricia Wesenberg

• Employees are encouraged to nominate their coworkers for the Core Value Awards. Nominees are recognized during an all-staff meeting and winners receive an award.
• In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the credit union paid employees who had regular contact with members an extra $20 a day for a period of time. Workers who were essential but had little to no contact with members received an extra $10 each day.
• The credit union contributes either $1,200 or $1,800 to an employee’s health savings account, depending on the worker’s insurance plan.

Pictured: Simplicity Credit Union employees gather outside of St. John’s church, where the institution was founded in 1949, after completing a scavenger hunt as part of an all-staff training day.

University of Michigan Credit Union

Ann Arbor, Mich.
Assets: $1.1 billion
Overall rank: 35
Asset category rank: 14
President and CEO: Tiffany Ford

• Employees get a paid day off for their birthday.
• The credit union started an internal Facebook group page so employees could socialize remotely with each other during the pandemic.
• Workers receive 40 hours of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption or fostering of a child.

Pictured: Employees participate in a yoga class at Michigan Stadium, home of the university's football team.

Apple Federal Credit Union

Fairfax, Va.
Assets: $3.4 billion
Overall rank: 36
Asset category rank: 15
President and CEO: Andrew Grimm

• Apple’s management hosts an annual appreciation breakfast for all employees. Executives serve the breakfast at the credit union’s headquarters, and the meal is catered at all 21 branches.
• Employees who achieve employment milestones, which are recognized in five-year increments, are honored during a breakfast at a local hotel. The CEO and other senior leaders give a gift to show their appreciation.
• Every month, individuals are recognized for exemplifying the credit union’s core values through the Apple Way Award. Each department sends nominations to the executive team, and winners receive a bonus and are recognized on the institution’s intranet.

Pictured: Apple Federal Credit Unions employees show their appreciation by bringing food to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Texell Credit Union

Temple, Texas
Assets: $450 million
Overall rank: 37
Asset category rank: 12
CEO: Tony Hale

• During the first two weeks of the state's shelter-in-place order, Texell bought lunch for employees who were considered essential and could not work remotely.
• The credit union buys school supplies for workers with school-age children during a back-to-school event.
• More than 80% of staff members and their families attend the annual awards banquet where accomplishments are recognized. Door prizes, giveaways and entertainment are all part of the event.

Pictured: Texell Credit Union employees gather for a picture before the pandemic.

Verve, a Credit Union

Oshkosh, Wis.
Assets: $1.4 billion
Overall rank: 38
Asset category rank: 16
President and CEO: Kevin Ralofsky

• Managers are given an appreciation budget so they can decide how to recognize their team members.
• The credit union encourages wellness by providing relaxation rooms at some locations and bikes so employees can take a quick ride.
• During the pandemic, the credit union introduced a payroll-advance loan of $1,000 to help employees whose households may have lost a second income. The loan can be repaid over two years.

Pictured: President and CEO Kevin Ralofsky delivers an overview of Verve’s servant leadership culture at an onboarding event for a new Chicago regional team in February.

LAFCU

Lansing, Mich.
Assets: $838 million
Overall rank: 39
Asset category rank: 8
CEO: Patrick Spyke

• Employees enjoy interest-free loans for the purchase of a personal computer.
• Salaried staff members can take up to four weeks of paid time off for parental leave.
• Employees can enjoy different game stations during the holidays with activities such as playing Jenga with gift boxes and creating a silly Christmas craft.

Pictured: Prior to COVID-19, employees gathered for LAFCU’s in-service day, which was planned and executed by two staff committees.

Michigan First Credit Union

Lathrup Village, Mich.
Assets: $1.2 billion
Overall rank: 40
Asset category rank: 17
President and CEO: Michael Poulos

• Tellers who make no transaction errors for an entire year are honored with the Flawless Fab Annual Award.
• An onsite cafeteria provides fresh meals at a subsidized cost to employees.
• Staffers are recognized for a job well done during morning team huddles.

Pictured: In February, employees make donations to the March of Dimes during a team learning day.

Oklahoma’s Credit Union

Oklahoma City
Assets: $615 million
Overall rank: 41
Asset category rank: 9
President and CEO: Mark Kelly

• The institution posts information about how to register to vote and provides notary services for employees who want to vote by mail.
• Employees enjoy the annual Easter egg hunt.
• The credit union sponsors sport teams for employees, including for soccer, softball and bowling.

Pictured: Employees hand out treats from its “treat trike” during a community event.

Red Crown Credit Union

Tulsa, Okla.
Assets: $235 million
Overall rank: 42
Asset category rank: 13
President and CEO: Mike Moyer

• The institution provides rewards for meeting goals, such as back massages, extra vacation days and flip-flop week.
• Staff members can take 24 hours of paid time off to volunteer through Red Crown’s Make the Community Smile program.
• The credit union provides credit for workers to spend on branded apparel through its store.

Pictured: Employees attend the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Be A Hero blood drive in Claremore, Okla. Red Crown sponsored the event.

Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union

Charleston, W.Va.
Assets: $196 million
Overall rank: 43
Asset category rank: 4
CEO: Dan McGowan

• Employees receive $2,000 from the institution for their health reimbursement account.
• Pioneer offers six weeks of maternity leave.
• The credit union brings a pharmacy on-site to administer to different vaccines, including for the flu, shingles and tetanus.

Pictured: Pioneer West Virginia FCU’s South Charleston branch team pictured before and during COVID-19.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union

Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Assets: $280 million
Overall rank: 44
Asset category rank: 14
President and CEO: Timothy Carlisle

• Members and staffers nominate workers for an employee of the month program called Limelight. Winners receive a half day off, a parking spot, recognition on social media and are invited to a luncheon at the end of the year with the CEO.
• Management gives items such as YETI drinkware, gift bags and jackets, to employees to show their appreciation.
• The credit union sends personalized cards or bereavement gifts to employees who are going through a difficult time.

Pictured: Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union employees celebrate National Wear Red Day and Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week by wearing the color red.

Vibrant Credit Union

Moline, Ill.
Assets: $908 million
Overall rank: 45
Asset category rank: 10
President and CEO: Matthew McCombs

• Each location starts the day with Motivational Moment, a 15-minute energizing activity, such as playing musical chairs or completing a paper airplane contest.
• To celebrate the holiday season, the credit union gives staff members a Vibrant-themed gift, such as a YETI coffee mug.
•Employees can publicly or privately share notes that highlight coworkers doing an outstanding job of living Vibrant’s core values. The notes are added to the staffer’s human resources record.

Pictured: Employees participate in the Festival of Trees parade by wearing inflatable cow suits.

Ascent Credit Union

Ogden, Utah
Assets: $144 million
Overall rank: 46
Asset category rank: 5
CEO: Brock Mortensen

• Managers actively coach employees by conducting individual meetings to identify successes and areas for improvement, and plan for the future.
• Management cooks a holiday breakfast for employees, and the event also includes gift giveaways and games.
• Employees can praise their coworkers and make suggestions to management through the monthly “internal service survey.”

Pictured: During a community service project, employees tie the edges of blankets, which were donated to the Lantern House, a homeless shelter in Ogden, Utah.

Parkside Credit Union

Westland, Mich.
Assets: $150 million
Overall rank: 47
Asset category rank: 6
President and CEO: Janet Thompson

• Staff members are offered cross training with other departments to help them earn potential promotions. Training includes lectures, classroom work and hands-on experience.
• A training is held each year on Columbus Day and includes team building and great food.
• Employees get the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as paid holidays.

Pictured: Employees participate in a $10,000 Christmas giveaway, for which Parkside was the core sponsor, completed in conjunction with a radio station.

People’s Federal Credit Union

Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $210 million
Overall rank: 48
Asset category rank: 15
CEO: Arthur V. Hornell Jr.

• A volunteer voter registrar on staff can register employees and members to vote.
• Several years ago, the credit union created a young professionals group. These staffers help onboard new hires, track the engagement of younger workers and encourage others to serve in leadership roles at local nonprofits.
• Through the High Five program, employees can give brags to their colleagues, which are worth points that can be redemed for gift cards, cash and paid time off.

Pictured: People’s Federal Credit Union workers enjoy snow cones during an employee appreciation event.

Access Community Credit Union

Amarillo, Texas
Assets: $141 million
Overall rank: 49
Asset category rank: 7
President and CEO: John Hays

• The “community first” committee helps to regularly get employees involved with volunteering around its hometown of Amarillo, Texas.
• Employees enjoy lunch on Monday and Fridays provided by Access Community.
• The credit union offers a benefit called a “serious illness and maternity bank,” which gives employees eight hours every month of paid time off, up to 1,040 hours. Workers can use this time for maternity leave, surgery or if they are out sick for more than five days.

Pictured: “Community first” committee members and staff buy furniture for the new Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo.

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Chadds Ford, Pa.
Assets: $1.4 billion
Overall rank: 50
Asset category rank: 18
President and CEO: Michael Magnavita

• During the pandemic, if employees didn’t have access to the internet while working from home, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union provided a hot spot.
• Employees can take up to two weeks of paid family leave.
• The credit union continued to pay employees for full-time work even if their hours were cut because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pictured: Employees from the member service center are honored as the “2019 department of the year” during the credit union’s annual day of celebration and team building.

W.B. King

This article originally appeared in Credit Union Journal.

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Employee engagement