First Busey Corp. is investing in software to eliminate the drudgery of some tasks. But this Best Bank to Work For will judge the success of the tech initiative by employee engagement more so than just efficiency. The goal is to boost morale.

A focus on getting work done more efficiently has prompted these midsize banks to rearrange responsibilities, eliminate red tape and use technology to automate repetitive or tedious tasks. Some are also enhancing leadership development and increasing employee benefits amid an increase in turnover.

From paying for lawn care when an Army Reservist on staff was deployed to offering employees office space and laptops for their children to do school work, United Bank in Alabama aims to make life easier for the people who work there. It is also ramping up internal training programs.

The largest of the 2021 Best Banks to Work For, those with more than $10 billion of assets, are trying new recruiting tactics and ramping up diversity efforts.

The Illinois company plans to combine Guaranty Federal Bancshares in Springfield with another bank it bought in the region.

The Pennsylvania community bank lacked the resources to go all-in on developing a diversity, equity and inclusion policy, so it turned to grad students at Georgetown University for help.

The smallest of the Best Banks to Work For have figured out how to thrive in an environment where many employees are working fully or partly from home. Some are using flexibility as a tool to stave off burnout.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The Houston companies emphasized the need for added size to compete with megabanks such as JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.