Employee engagement

With a focus on fitness and an emphasis on communication across the organization, Northern Credit Union is one of 2018's Best Credit Unions to Work For.

OMNI Community Credit Union's new hires regularly say 'I'm going to retire here," and the CU designs leadership programs to retain staff for the long haul.

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.

Riverfront Federal Credit Union keeps the focus on an "open door" policy and ensures junior staff get plenty of face time with the executive team.

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.

As Synovus brought all of its 28 banks under the same name and logo, management made sure employees were well informed and comfortable with the changes.

For each of the last three years, Choice Financial has unveiled an elaborate practical joke on April 1 as part of a quirky marketing campaign.

A companywide survey at First National Bank Alaska found that employees wanted more training and development. This is how the bank responded.

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.

First Bank Financial Centre's Mark Mohr personalizes work anniversary cards by drawing sketches on them highlighting employees' interests.

Financial firms need to focus developer teams on creating products, not fixing legacy IT issues and bad code.

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.

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.

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.

The Best Banks to Work For study is a collaboration between American Banker and the Best Companies Group, which conducts extensive employee surveys and reviews employer reports on benefits and policies.

Oakworth Capital Bank, which topped our "Best Banks" list this year, takes a broad view of wellness by providing employees with free healthy snacks and classes on time management.

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.