Independence Bank was declared the 23rd Best Bank to Work For on the national level, up seven spots from last year.
“I think it is just awesome,” Independence Bank Chairman and CEO Chris Reid said. “It’s incredible. This is a testament to the wonderful employees who have joined us. We’re like one big family.”
American Banker asked leaders at the 90 banks earning a spot this year in the annual listing about how they handle challenges associated with hiring and retaining talent.
Reid said he wants every new employee to know that they are going to do something to make the Bank better.
“I can go through almost every single employee and tell them, specifically, at least one thing they did to make us better — to make us great,” he said. “I really believe that.”
Independence Bank said some of its best ideas for efficiency and honing new products come from employees who receive a financial reward if their concept is successfully adopted.
It’s also Reid’s priority that the bank promotes an encouraging environment with a positive culture.
Bank employees can look forward to holiday celebrations, workdays catered by food trucks and parties during major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby. On Halloween, the entire staff wears costumes and children from the community have been invited into locations for trick-or-treating.
“I think we’re the best, friendliest, and greatest employees of all time,” Reid said. “We do a really good job of taking care of our customers. We’re 23rd this year and I’m really proud of that. But, in my heart, we are number one. We are the best Bank to work for.”
This honor comes in between the Bank adding a second Louisville location and the start of their Lexington market.
