Molly Schissler

By Molly Schissler, VP, Human Resources

I am very pleased to announce our recognition in American Banker magazine as a “Best Bank to Work For” for the third consecutive year. This is such an honor for us all!

The announcement was made in the magazine’s Aug 26 online issue (scroll through to find us at No. 48), and will appear in print on Sep 1.

I included information about our employee engagement efforts in an April Shorelines article, but I’d like to now share some information from the American Banker survey. I want everyone to know that these survey results are reviewed — including all comments — by Jim and Jay McKenna, as well as senior leaders and the Leadership Engagement team. Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated and are reviewed so that we can continue to make any adjustments as we are able to, to ensure we maintain a strong and positive work environment.

The following chart shows our results in each of the broader categories within the survey. The numbers below reflect a “percentage agreement” with statements within the various categories, with 100 percent being the top score. Survey participants are randomly selected from a percentage of all employees. We chose to include a higher percentage of employees for the 2015 survey.

The overall scores give us an idea of where we need to target some of our initiatives. Here are just a few more things we have planned:

• We have just launched a bankwide sales transformation training program, which will be rolled out over the next two years. Called “SOAR Conversations,” it is meant for all employees in sales-related positions. Our goal is to bring a consistent and more in-depth approach to all sales functions, from mortgage lending to business banking to personal banking and tellers, etc.

• Job shadowing. Coming this fall, we will be launching a formal job-shadowing process. Watch for details!

• Bank contributions to Health Savings Accounts. For those enrolled in the HSA-qualifying medical plan, we will be making employer contributions to your HSA. Information will be provided soon, during open enrollment.

Again, thank you for all of the positive feedback, and for comments that help us refocus our strategies for improvement.

If you want to reach out to any of the Leadership Engagement team members, please feel free to do that at any time. This team is responsible for reviewing the surveys, developing ways to address the concerns raised, and ensuring that we continue to do those things that you recognize are going well. We typically meet every other month and often address suggestions that come up during the year outside of the surveys. The team currently consists of Milene Below, Chris Boland, Margaret Capper, Nicole Daniels, Sue Doyle, Jude Lengell, Laurie Maduscha, Molly Schissler, Dana Scherff, Kevin Wilderman, and Craig Witz.