Verve, a Credit Union, recently earned a spot on the 2021 Best Credit Unions to Work For list, awarded by the American Banker and Best Companies Group. This is the fifth year in a row Verve has earned the recognition, showing organizational strength despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Selection criteria includes an anonymous survey with 78 statements for team members to respond to, which makes up 75% of the evaluation. The credit union’s employee benefits, workplace policies and practices are also reviewed.

“The pandemic altered the way we work and required quick action. This is when you realize the true benefits of proactively building a culture of agility, and care and concern for the individual,” said Karrie Drobnick, chief marketing + strategy officer at Verve. “While that transition was a challenge for many, and it came with hiccups for us as well, having a strong culture—one that is at the heart of everything we do—paired with strong internal communications helped us keep up team member morale and the feeling of belonging, even when we couldn’t see each other every day in person.”

 For Verve, building a robust culture starts at the very beginning with strategy and is lived out by team members.

“The pandemic has been challenging on both personal and organizational levels, but our strong culture and foundation are helping us not only continue to weather the pandemic but emerge once again as an award-winning workplace,” Drobnick said.

Some key ways that Verve supports its team members that stood out to Best Credit Union to Work For judges included: an appreciation budget for leaders to decide how to recognize their team members, providing relaxation rooms at some locations and bikes so employees can take a quick ride, and at the onset of the pandemic, the credit union introduced a payroll-advance loan (0% interest) of $1,000 to help employees whose households may have lost a second income.

 “Our team members are well-supported by culture and new technology which delivers a premium member experience and opens the door for future growth,” said Kevin J. Ralofsky, president and CEO of Verve. “Creating a best-in-class workplace requires intentional effort for us and is achieved through servant leadership culture tools, consistent and purposeful communication, leadership development, and a robust wellbeing program. Our programs and tools empower Verve team members to excel in and bring their best selves to everything they do. It means so much to see our name alongside so many great employers, and it fills us with pride that it was our team members’ feedback that put us on the list.”