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Popular with employees: Independence charters a bus once a year for employees — and one guest each — to go to Nashville for a shopping day. Attendees get a long-sleeve shirt, $10 for lunch and the chance to win gift cards on the bus.

Tim Colvin used to make consumer loans at Community Trust Bank. Now, as the bank's "dream manager," he spends his workday counseling the bank's employees on everything from figuring out how to adopt a baby to landing their ideal job.

Popular with employees: On-site yoga classes are taught by employees who are certified instructors.

Rob Brough, the head of marketing at Zions, says the bank's Value Star program — launched more than a decade ago to recognize employees for putting in extra effort — encourages staff to pull for one another.

Popular with employees: Winters in Maine can be brutal, so Machias Savings has a "Spring Fever Week" to help employees get through the end-of-winter slump with some fun. The week includes dress-down days, group photo contests and prizes.

Popular with employees: Management has an open-door policy and regularly visits branches to solicit input. Employees are encouraged to call or drop in on senior executives.

Popular with employees: Branches that win a monthly trivia contest get a catered lunch.

Popular with employees: Winners of a wellness challenge get cash and prizes. Last year 87 employees split $10,000.

Popular with employees: A discretionary profit-sharing program typically doubles the regular 401K match for all employees.

Popular with employees: Free soda, coffee and hot chocolate are always available, and there's popcorn on Fridays.