BankNewport selected as one of the best places to work in RISeptember 3, 2007
BankNewport treats both staff, customers well Providence Journal By Natalie Myers, PBN Staff Writer
At BankNewport, recognizing employees for going above and beyond is almost as important as ensuring that employees receive training so they can provide the best level of customer service possible.
“It’s just a nice place to work,” said Maryellen Goode, supervisor of customer services in loan services operations at the bank.
Goode has worked at the bank for 10 years and, she said, she will probably retire there. “It’s a place where you can grow,” she said.
“It’s a place where you can educate yourself, where you can learn more about what you’re doing. And you don’t have to seek it out. It’s advertised on a regular basis.”
Goode is referring to the bank’s numerous learning and development programs, said Diane Karcz, assistant vice president of human resources.
BankNewport offers several programs, including a “Shining Stars” program through which employees gain product knowledge and service skills to maximize customer service, Karcz said.
Employees also receive recognition through the program for representing what the bank defines as “shining star” qualities. Peers nominate those employees who they feel are worthy of the award and then a committee picks the winners, who are recognized at the bank’s annual meeting.
The bank also rewards good employees with advancement.
“They recognize when people deserve to be promoted,” said Goode, who rose from customer service representative to supervisor.
BankNewport’s policy is to hire from within before posting a job externally, Karcz said.
All of the educational programming the bank offers is geared to helping people do better at their jobs and/or earn skills needed for a promotion.
The bank offers classes such as “hallmarks of supervisory success” (a trademarked class created by the Community College of Rhode Island), and courses in business writing and computer applications.
And BankNewport also reimburses a percentage of tuition, fees and books for employees who want to earn a degree from a university or take night classes of their choosing, Karcz said.
In addition, some employees are given the option to work from home, if they have a position conducive to the arrangement. Others are given the option to work a compressed week, meaning they work 40 hours in four days so that they can have a three-day weekend.
“They really do understand that employees need a personal life,” Goode said. Employees typically stay 10 to 20 years, Karcz said, most likely because of the benefits and the many perks.
Goode said she likes the fact that the bank is so active in the community and rewards employees for volunteering. Each year, employees can compete for the “employee citizenship award.” The winner gets a check from BankNewport to donate to a charity of his or her choice.
And during the bank’s week-long annual United Way campaign, the bank encourages employees to volunteer for a few hours during the work day. “We have a good reputation in the community,” Goode said. “There’s nothing better than to work in a place where people like to do business with you.” << Back to News |
