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Some might question the payoff for lavish parties, fitness centers and even career-development programs. But a growing body of academic evidence suggests that there is a link between employee happiness and bottom-line results.
August 25 -
If you want your bank to be one of the best to work for, you can pick up a lot of pointers from those in our third annual ranking.
August 26
Location: Ash Flat, Ark.
Assets: $360 million
Employees: 109
Chairman and CEO: Martin Carpenter
It only takes three months for new hires at FNBC Bank in Ash Flat, Ark., to qualify for an enhanced paid-time-off program that gives them an extra 40 hours to use for vacation or other purposes. "Essentially, employees get two and a half weeks of PTO their first year, and it just keeps growing from there," says Steve Braun, FNBC's director of human resources. Potential employees know about the program, "and it gives us a real competitive advantage in hiring."
It's part of a formula that emphasizes a strong work/life balance. "As an organization, we don't just say we care about you and your family, we show it through our actions and policies," says Chad Hudson, an executive vice president and chief lending officer.
FNBC is big on recognition and community involvement. Work anniversaries merit giant Hershey bars with a personalized message from the bank's leadership, while employees can give shout-outs to each other via a companywide intranet bulletin board. One popular program is a "Backpack Extravaganza," which raises money for school supplies and shoes for disadvantaged kids.
When the children come to collect their supplies, FNBC President Marty Sellars even washes their feet as he fits them for shoes. "Being humble is a core value," Braun says.
