Unusual Ways to Get Time Off at the Best Banks to Work For
August 25, 2015 9:00 PM
From birthdays to volunteer work to losing weight, these institutions from our annual Best Banks to Work For list have given their employees inventive ways to earn extra time off.
Crimes of Fashion
Metropolitan National Bank in Springfield, Mo., holds ugly sweater contests. Employees participate by wearing an ugly sweater to work. Each location votes for the ugliest; then all employees vote for a companywide winner. All winners receive four hours paid time off and/or a gift.
Showing Up Reliably
At 1st Summit Bank in Johnstown, Pa., two additional paid vacation days are granted for perfect attendance during the prior year.
Outstanding Performance
At Civista Bank in Sandusky, Ohio, supervisors recognize employees for exceptional work and nominate them for paid time off as a reward.
Shedding Pounds
City Bank in Lubbock Texas boasts an award-winning wellness program. In 2014, it paid out $132,125 and 4,702 hours paid time off. Participating employees lost a combined 449.24 lbs.
Hitting a Milestone
1st National Bank in Berlin, Wis., gives employees their birthdays off, fully paid.
Hitting a Company Milestone
Employees at BankPlus in Ridgeland, Miss., get an extra day off for the anniversary of their date of hire each year, plus anniversary gifts every five years.
Having a Pressing Need
As part of its CARE (Centier Associates Reaching out to Everyone) program, Centier Bank in Merrillville, Ind., offers a paid-time-off "bank." Employees can donate their unused paid time off for co-workers who may need it and have already exhausted theirs. Also, customer service representatives who perform well are rewarded with time-off certificates (in addition to gift cards and plaques).
Helping Out After a Tragedy
Capital City Bank in Tallahassee, Fla., offers paid time off to assist in disaster relief.
Supporting Education
Avenue Bank in Nashville, Tenn., gives employees paid time off to participate in their children's school programs, and the Classroom Visitor Program at First Horizon in Memphis provides up to three hours of paid leave for employees to take part in educational activities in the community.
Volunteering
Community Trust Bank in Ruston, La., Zions in Salt Lake City and Somerset Trust Co. in Pennsylvania all give employees paid time off to do volunteer work in the community.
Earning Kudos from Colleagues
Machias Savings Bank in Maine has an "Employee to Employee" recognition program with a theme that changes annually. Workers who are recognized go into a drawing to win prizes monthly (including cash and time off with pay). There is also an annual drawing, in which one employee wins a trip for two to the Caribbean.
