Did you know that the dung beetle is the world’s strongest insect and is able to move over 1100x its own weight? That’s equivalent to a human trying to drag six double-decker buses. It’s a reminder that size alone doesn’t define strength — thoughtful design also plays a role. Similarly, American Banker’s 2025 ranking of the Best Banks to Work For shows that being a successful employer of choice isn’t about being the biggest: of the 90 banks that are featured, 88% have assets under $10B, and 51 of the banks honored on the list have less than $3B in assets. Community financial institutions (CFIs) continue to navigate a complex talent landscape characterized by rising labor costs, significant competition for skilled professionals, and ongoing economic uncertainty. At the same time, the rapid rise of technology — generative AI, in particular — is threatening to reshape the workplace. We highlight some of the key themes from American Banker’s 2025 ranking that CFIs could adopt to improve their ability to attract and retain employees and build workplace environments where their employees can thrive. What Makes a Good Employer?According to American Banker’s rankings, the top banks are putting people first and prioritizing well-being, growth, and connection. Banks that made the list emphasize strong leadership, long-term planning, transparency, and effective communication. They are creating environments where people feel empowered, supported, trusted, and celebrated. Here are five of the stand-out themes:
- Financial and lifestyle benefits. Competitive pay is just the starting point for many of the top institutions in the survey. They offer benefits that ease financial stress and elevate quality of life, signaling a culture that values the security and overall well-being of its workforce. For example, bonuses and profit-sharing schemes reward performance and foster a sense of ownership, while discounted stock purchase plans support employees to build longer-term wealth and feel connected to the organization. Tennessee-based Paragon Bank offers employees stock benefits, and as a result, 20% of all shares are owned by staff. Similarly, student loan repayment, housing support plans, and comprehensive insurance packages can help employees tackle some of their major life expenses.
- Wellness and work-life balance. Banks with top-tier culture are investing in holistic programs that address the physical, mental, and emotional health needs of their employees. Examples of mental health support include free counselling sessions, mental health days, and unlimited virtual therapy. Wellness initiatives include health and nutrition coaching, fitness challenges, yoga and mindfulness workshops, and financial wellness seminars. Many banks included in the ranking also offer flexible schedules, hybrid work options, and even paid sabbaticals to support work-life balance. Others offer on-site fitness centers, “zen zones,” ergonomic workstations, and healthy snack programs to promote overall well-being. BankNewport in Rhode Island has an award-winning combination of an on-site Wellness Center, a Wellness Week full of fun activities, and health empowerment groups, among other well-being perks. By embedding flexibility and wellness into their cultures, CFIs are not just supporting their employees; they are helping to build a stronger, more resilient organization.
- An inclusive and purposeful culture. Employees want to be part of purpose-driven workplaces that reflect their values. An organization’s culture is often the foundation of employee satisfaction, and many of the banks in American Banker’s list are creating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and connected. To achieve this, some of the top banks to work for are providing paid time off for volunteering, employee appreciation events, and team-building activities — all of which foster belonging and purpose. Others are championing diversity through employee resource groups and inclusive hiring practices. Values-based recruitment and mission-driven perks, such as rewards for employees’ eco-friendly behaviors at Florida’s Climate First Bank, all help to reinforce an institution’s values.
- Career growth and development. Personal and professional development is increasingly a top priority for employees, and therefore a strategic imperative for many banks. Some on the list offer a range of skills-building and individual development opportunities. Innovative training programs, like job shadowing and game-based learning, can ensure these opportunities are engaging and relevant. What’s more, as leadership is key to an institution’s long-term success, some banks are creating structured pathways for future leaders and investing in leadership academies and excellence programs. First Premier Bank in South Dakota offers their own internal training and leadership classes to help employees grow. It’s clear there are many ways CFIs can support their employees’ career growth and development, which, in turn, should improve employee loyalty and retention.
- Recognition, appreciation, connection, and fun. Recognizing employees’ contributions is goes beyond rewards and includes about creating a culture of gratitude and celebration. Leading financial institutions in this year’s list are finding creative ways to make employees feel valued — from peer-nominated shout-outs, milestone gifts, and on-the-spot rewards to holiday giveaways, anniversary bonuses, and appreciation meals. Many institutions also know that it is equally important to foster connection and fun in the workplace. This can mean organizing social events, family-friendly activities, and clubs to strengthen team spirit. For a touch of fun, others offer creative perks such as on-site baristas, ice cream trucks, and valet car washes. These ideas can help transform a CFI’s work environment into a place where people feel appreciated and part of a team. Crucially, employees will actually enjoy coming to work. At Wood & Huston Bank in Missouri, the family-owned bank that scored the top spot on the list, took employees and their families on an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to honor the 150th anniversary.
Your people are your CFI’s greatest asset. The results of American Banker’s 2025 ranking of the top banks to work for highlight that success as an employer isn’t necessarily about having the biggest budget. The best institutions invest thoughtfully in their employees — through well-being, inclusion, growth, recognition and purpose. — and create environments where people can do their best work. Just as importantly, when CFIs support their employees, that commitment often extends outward. Engaged, supported teams are better positioned to serve customers, strengthen local relationships, and contribute meaningfully to the communities they call home.That connection between people, purpose, and community is at the heart of Community Banking Month, celebrated nationally each April. It’s a time to recognize the vital role community banks play — not only in their local economies, but in the lives of their employees and the communities they serve.If your bank has an inspiring, employee-focused culture, PCBB’s Community Banking Month campaign is an opportunity to share your story. From charitable initiatives and innovative technology to standout employee programs and workplace culture, we want to highlight the many ways community banks make an impact.Tell us what makes your bank a phenomenal workplace by completing our survey by February 27, 2026 for a chance to be featured in a series of four BID articles this spring.
