Every year, Avadian Credit Union sponsors an “Employee Delight” team building week, which encourages each department and branch to work together to complete a variety of fun challenges. This year’s event, explained CEO Linda Cencula, included a challenge in which teams competed to build the tallest balloon tower, which she said resulted in lots laughs and camaraderie.
“Sometimes we have ‘Orange Outs’ where everyone gets to wear our bright orange company t-shirts and jeans,” she added. “We ‘Orange Out’ for various reasons, such celebrating a credit union accomplishment or sometimes just for the fun of it. Something about a t-shirt and jeans that puts a pep in everyone’s step.”
Avadian CU was ranked No. 15 overall in the
According to Cencula, the CU believes that “open, candid communication” is important for any relationship, including that of staff and management.
“Our management team doors are always open to staff for formal and informal dialogue,” she said. “In addition, we have a formalized suggestion box process for any input staff might want to provide.
Cencula encourages one-on-one employee feedback and regularly meets with and/or answers phone calls from staff members. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that the staff member gets the answer they want to hear, but it does mean that they will always get the opportunity to be heard. Our other executives do this as well.”
Founded in 1934, Avadian Credit Union supports 18 branches and more than 81,000 members with $765 million in assets.
