Cliches become cliché because the are, in fact, so often true and applicable. One of my favorites, however, can also be turned around on itself. If, as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, that also must mean that every silver lining comes with a cloud.
And so it is with low unemployment. Low unemployment, by and large, is considered a good thing, a thing worth working toward and celebrating. But the cloud to that silvery wonder is that it can make it awfully difficult to hire—and keep—the best employees.
The only antidote to this cloud: being among the best employers.
And it's going to take more than a healthy 401(k) and a strong insurance package. The best employers don't just offer the best benefits—they create an environment that inspires people to be at the top of their games both professionally and as human beings who want to give back to their communities.
That is exactly what Credit Union Journal's annual Best Credit Unions to Work For aims to celebrate: the credit unions that have managed to create such wonderful environments in which to work that that the top talent out there are competing to work there, and the best employees wish to stay there.
Best of all, we pore over the data on the credit unions that make it onto our Best CUs to Work For rankings and profile the best of the best so that our readers can learn the secrets of their success.
From quirky perks such as beer cart Thursdays and free massages, to career-development opportunities and a keen respect for work-life balance, these credit unions are pulling out all the stops when it comes to creating a culture of which people want to be a part.
If your credit union didn't make it onto our list, you owe it to your staff — and your members — to read the profiles features on pages 10-23 of this edition to learn about the innovative ways the best credit unions are recruiting, retaining and developing great employees.
Think your credit union has what it takes to be a Best CU to Work For? Then make sure to participate in next year's survey.
Editor in Chief Lisa Freeman can be reached at
