Independence Bank ranked second in the medium category of “2021 Best Place to Work” in the state by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management.
According to a release from IB, “Known as a revolution for the people, by the people, Independence Bank’s mission has always been to do what’s right and fair, for its customers and the communities they serve.”
The Best Places to Work in Kentucky is a survey and awards program dedicated to identifying and recognizing the Commonwealth’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback, according to the program’s website.
The selection process is based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey.
Chris Reid, the bank’s chairman and CEO, said making employees an important part of the business from the start was a key factor to the Bank’s success.
“It has never been something we just talk about, it’s quite the opposite,” he said. “We dedicate a lot of time and resources ensuring our employees are heard. They are, after all, owners of the Bank through our ESOP program. We ask every employee what they would like to see us never change, what needs to be adjusted, and future projects for consideration each year. We create our business plan based on what they have to say.”
President Jacob Reid said the Bank has always been a symbol of family.
“We have implemented many efforts over the years to ensure that Independence Bank is a place where people wake up and enjoy coming to work,” he said. “The result is a family of individuals who are excited to be part of a mission that is bigger than banking.”
In 2008, the Bank implemented the “Wishing Others Well” fund, which serves as a means to offer assistance to Bank employees in times of need, funded completely by the employees themselves.
“It’s unlike anywhere I have ever worked,” said Independence Bank Human Resources Director, Simone Montaven. “We have learned through the years that it’s the small touches that matter. The time we dedicate to others, the extra mile that we will go for our customers. The formula is simple and it’s one that keeps our employees feeling fulfilled with their work.”
