Employee benefits

It takes more than costumes and cook outs to make this list – though those don't hurt! Here's a look at what it takes for small and mid-size credit unions to make the grade as a top employer.

InFirst FCU heard employees' concerns when a new benefits plan wasn't working out, and that responsiveness contributed to just 3% staff turnover for 2017.

From burgers with the boss to bereavement leave, team outings, nonprofit partnerships and more, these are the best credit unions to work for with assets under $200 million, as determined by the Best Companies Group.

The consumer bureau alleges Future Income Payments lured vulnerable consumers into taking out high-cost loans in exchange for their future pension payments.

Many workers get extra days off to celebrate all kinds of things, from their birthdays to a good regulatory exam score, or as a reward for charitable giving and other community involvement.

Last summer, the Wausau, Wis., bank combined two employee groups to form the ICEBreakers. Its mission is to support outstanding customer service and foster a positive workplace culture.

There are ways for banks to gain an edge against the likes of Google and Facebook for the best software developers.

Every year communities are hit by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and other disasters. These banks have found novel ways to take care of customers and employees in those emergencies.

HomeTown Bank's decision to designate an employee to oversee its wellness efforts has revitalized the program, pushing it into new areas such as emotional intelligence and stress management.

From on-site clinics to 24-hour access to doctors, many of the 85 banks on our annual list provide unique health benefits to employees.

Savings Bank of Walpole loosened up internal policies that had limited body art and cellphone use, and it created the position of community engagement coordinator, to connect with younger workers.

OCC proposal would broaden the types of loans that would count toward CRA obligations; new law helps parents freeze accounts of minors.

Banks can’t just make jobs fun, they must help workers find meaning.

Chip Mahan, founder of Live Oak Bank, believes that if employees have their needs outside work met, they will work better with customers.

Michael Towbes, the owner of Montecito Bank & Trust who passed away last year, launched a program in 2003 that gives $1 million away to charities each year.

Inspired by the book "How Fargo of You," Bell Bank has an awards program that recognizes employees with a talent for the little touches that matter to customers.

See the perks employees get at the 85 financial institutions that made our sixth annual Best Banks to Work For list.

Employees at First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Pascagoula-Moss Point love to eat, so much so that they started raising money for charity by selling lunches.

More than 100 staffers at the Allentown, Pa.-based credit union took to the picket lines in a dispute with management over compensation and benefits, forcing the credit union to temporarily close at least two branches.

Panelists: Renée D. Brown, CMO, Retail Financial Services, TIAA; Steven Dorval, President, John Hancock Personal Financial Services; Matt Fellowes, CEO, United Income; Roger Lee, CEO and Co-Founder, Human Interest