It’s no secret. Good employees are hard to find and keep. So being voted the No. 1 bank in Arizona for the 19th year and the No. 1 best place to work proves that NB|AZ is doing something right when it comes to serving the community and our customers, and providing an exceptional place to work for our employees.
Over the past few years, we have seen the competition for talent intensify. Like many local banks, NB|AZ has experienced the effects of worker shortages, especially in our branches. To find and retain the best talent, we have had to think outside the box.
Job seekers want more than just competitive pay. Therefore, we’ve stepped up our offerings to existing and new employees by developing internal development programs, providing benefits on the first day of employment, and enabling appropriate job positions to have flexible working arrangements.
Additionally, we have found most employees are also looking for a place to work where they feel valued and empowered to make a difference—not just on the job, but also in their community. Therefore, we have always encouraged our employees to connect with the community in which they live and work. We even go as far as recognizing an employee every quarter for their philanthropic activities and donating to the charity of their choice. We then select a volunteer of the year from the quarterly honorees and recognize this employee at our annual service awards luncheon.
I know we have leaned hard on our employees this past year and have asked many to do more with less, as compared to our larger bank competitors. Not only have they accepted the challenge, but every employee has stepped up to go the extra mile for our customers and each other.
During the pandemic, our goal has been to maintain personal connections and rely on our strong workplace culture of having a can-do attitude, being a true partner, and being genuine and approachable. For us, it’s become more than just catchy phrases on a poster in the breakroom; it’s our way of life at National Bank of Arizona.
On March 4, we, like many organizations around the country, celebrated Employee Appreciation Day. To let our employees know how much they are appreciated, valued and recognized for their above-and-beyond efforts, we gave every employee an additional half-day off as paid vacation in 2022.
Rather than sending a gift card or providing a group lunch, we know that many of our front-line employees are combating burnout. What would be better than taking a few more hours of well-deserved time away from the office to focus on their personal life?
Our employees are our No. 1 asset. They are the sole reason for any successes the organization has experienced the past couple of years, and they will be what continues to drive future success. Here’s my personal note to all NB|AZ employees: You are appreciated much more than you can imagine and valued greatly. Thank you again for all you do at home, in your community, and for our customers.
Mark Young
President and CEO
National Bank of Arizona