Three Indiana Banks Named ‘Best Places to Work’

American Banker magazine has released its annual ranking of Best Banks to Work For and three Indiana institutions are included on the 2021 list. The trade publication says the results are based on employee surveys, reviews of employee benefits and policies and an examination of the bank’s hiring and retention strategies.

The list includes the top 90 banks, regardless of size and assets.

Merrillville-based Centier Bank is ranked number two in the nation, followed by Fishers-based First Internet Bank at No. 24, and Michigan City-based Horizon Bank is ranked No. 90.

In addition to employee surveys, the publication evaluates a company’s volunteering and charitable contributions, as well as leadership philosophy. This year, the publication included bank’s response to the pandemic.

This is how American Banker described Centier’s response:

“The bank offered paid time off for employees who took coronavirus tests, got vaccinated or had to quarantine, for example. And it let employees carry over a week of unused time off into 2021. Employees whose spouses lost jobs benefited from Centier’s C.A.R.E. Program, which paid out $49,000 in 2020,” the publication stated.

American Banker says competition for talent has been intense, and worker shortages are expected to persist in years to come as Baby Boomers retire. The chief executives at the best banks emphasized the importance of making employees feel valued.

“When our associates feel valued, they are able to show up to work as their best selves and to help assist and guide our clients,” said Chrisanne Christ, senior partner in human resources at Centier. “There’s nothing quite like that personal relationship with your banker, and that’s what our clients value.”

The publication noted how First Internet bank has a basketball hoop in the parking lot which allows employees to build camaraderie and teamwork through a game of hoops.

“I’m proud that First Internet Bank has always been a model for workplace culture. We believe in the power of personal connections,” said President and CEO David Becker.

Horizon Bank was highlighted for the establishment of affinity resource groups that created a “welcoming” for employees to share experiences and cultivate better understanding of each other.

“We firmly believe that only by leveraging unique talents and learning from differing perspectives will we continue to grow and succeed as a company,” said Chair and CEO Craig Dwight.

Click here to see the full list.