Employee engagement

When H. Lynn Harton joined United Community Bank seven years ago, he knew he was on track to eventually become CEO. But he still felt he had to earn it.

Executives of the Wisconsin bank realized employees weren't getting enough direction so they adopted a strategy that breaks objectives into smaller steps.

Many of the 85 banks on our seventh annual Best Banks to Work For list have novel approaches to leadership, communication and more.

Executives at Atlantic Capital Bank had to take a hard look at its strategy and culture after the acquisition of First Security Group dampened employee morale.

The Tennessee bank was able to give employees more flexibility and cut its costs in half for its biometric screenings initiative.

The two banks' strong chemistry helped 1st Security's integration of Anchor go smoothly.

Employees of the Minnesota bank get a $500 "self-improvement allowance" each year.

The Best Companies Group, in collaboration with American Banker, completes an analysis of employee surveys and reviews information on employer benefits and policies to develop the annual ranking.

CUs can't always offer the same salaries as fintech startups and major corporations, but a host of strategies can help them recruit those candidates and keep them for the long haul.

Executives can learn a lot from others at all levels of their organizations if they are willing to listen and take in feedback.