MANCHESTER, NH (September 23, 2019) - For the third year in a row, St. Mary’s Bank has been named “A Best Credit Union to Work For” by Credit Union Journal, a distinction staff say underscores its century-old mission.

“It solidifies our mission, which is to ‘help members achieve their financial goals by providing best-in-market service and trusted financial advice,’” said Pam Roy, Senior Vice President/Director of Human Resources. “Best-in-market service means caring, responsive and ethical delivery of services.”

She said this commitment to members is reflected in leadership’s investment in their employees, which translates into “a great workplace.”

“Happy employees perform at a higher level, are loyal to the mission of the credit union, and are more likely to stay,” said Roy. “Having a great workplace translates into operating more effectively and efficiently.”

Examples of ways in which St. Mary’s Bank promotes “a great workplace” include:

•  Benefits for part-time employees
•  8 hours of paid time off to volunteer in the community
•  Recognition programs in which employees nominate their peers
•  Flex time policy to promote work/life balance
•  On-site wellness facilities and yoga classes

“We also have a ‘spirit team’ made up of employees from different departments,” said Roy. “They organize annual celebrations, such as our Winter Social and dress down days for sports teams and other events.”

While not yet implemented at the time St. Mary’s Bank was considered as “A Best Credit Union to Work For” in 2019, Roy said two recently-deployed programs serve as anecdotal proof.

A ten-month Emerging Leadership Program for managers, supervisors and future leaders starts in September. “It’s a terrific program created in partnership with PeopleSmart to develop top leadership talent in support of the Credit Union’s succession planning initiatives.” she said.

In the Young Professional Group (YPG), employees have the opportunity to develop networking skills and grow professionally with their peers. “Employees will participate with other external YPGs and Manchester’s Young Professional Group with the local Manchester Chamber of Commerce,” added Roy. “This is a dynamic group of professionals that will do great things!”

Regarding the specific criterion used to evaluate credit unions for the award, Roy said St. Mary’s Bank was scored on two elements. The first component was responses on an employer benefits and policies questionnaire (worth 25 percent), while the second element consisted of an employee engagement and satisfaction survey (worth 75 percent).

“To us, this award signifies that employees are engaged in the workplace and passionate about what they do, especially because they choose to always put members first,” said Roy. “It is quite an honor.”

About St. Mary’s Bank
Founded in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1908, St. Mary’s Bank is the first credit union in the nation. It makes progressive financial products and services available and affordable to consumers and businesses. Members enjoy excellent service, competitive rates, low fees, and state-of-the-art banking services. Headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, St. Mary’s Bank has locations in Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford, and Nashua, and mortgage centers in Portsmouth, Concord and Nashua. For more information, call 1-888-786-2791 or visit www.stmarysbank.com.