JACKSON, Tennessee – Leaders Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Jackson, Tenn., has been named one of the 2020’s Best Credit Unions to Work For for the second consecutive year.

According to a press release from Janet Wylie – Leaders Credit Union marketing specialist – Credit Union Journal has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees. The 2020 Best list is made up of the top 50 credit unions, and Leaders placed number 7 in their asset category and 18 overall. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list is featured in American Banker, formerly Credit Union Journal.

“We are very pleased to be named in the top twenty of credit union workplaces in the nation,” Todd Swims, president and CEO of Leaders Credit Union, said. “At Leaders, we know service excellence begins with our Financial Champions, and our job at Leaders is to take care of them so that together, we can serve our members.”

Leaders Credit Union serves West Tenn. and currently has 165 employees in Jackson, Milan, Union City, and Bartlett and has been named the Best Place to Bank by the Jackson Sun Readers Choice Awards for the past six years.

“Leaders champions (employees) are passionate, genuine, and advocate for our members,” said Erin Mitchell, VP of Champions. “Our reputation precedes us and therefore, we attract others that fit our brand mold.”

Leaders benefits and company culture play a large role in the success of the 63-year-old company. In addition to standard employee benefits, Leaders offers four weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Leaders subscribes to the AirMedCare Network, a team of life-flight helicopters that can transport employees during a medical emergency for free. Leaders encourages wellness by covering the membership cost of a local gym. As an added benefit, a Sam’s membership is covered by Leaders for all full-time employees.

In addition to the benefit perks, Leaders employees share that the company culture and relationships with fellow employees play a large role in their overall employee satisfaction. Employees can utilize a private web forum to leave positive feedback and recognition for their colleagues. Leaders attracts millennial and Gen Z employees by offering a relaxed atmosphere at its e-branch where there is no dress code and music is always playing. During the height of the pandemic, Leaders frequently provided lunch to employees and made every effort to keep all staff safe and updated. Also, the company works to keep work fun. Recently in celebration of the CEO celebrating 30 years, all staff dressed in 90’s attire with 90’s retro designs running in the branches.

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees concerning their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

“Credit unions, deservedly, are recognized for their commitment to the communities they serve, said Aaron Passman, Editor in Chief of Credit Union Journal. “Our annual ranking recognizes those that go above and beyond in terms of their employees’ job satisfaction, career development, and personal growth.”

To be considered for participation, credit unions had to have at least 25 employees working in the U.S. and been in business a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and to determine the final ranking.

“Being a member at Leaders Credit Union is a great experience. Working at Leaders is even better,” noted Mitchell. “We are constantly growing and looking for outstanding employees who make a positive impact internally and externally.

(PHOTO: Leaders Credit Union employees pose for a photo at their annual team building enrichment day – courtesy Janet Wylie – marketing specialist)