The 2021 class of 25 Best Companies to Work For is exceptional. And that exceptionalism was especially apparent during the past 18 months of pandemic.
Granite State Credit Union
Credit union.
Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures:
I am encouraged to learn and develop new skills: 98% agree
In the past 6 months, someone has talked to me about my progress: 97% agree
CEO: Denise Barstow
Years in Business: 76
Full-Time Employees: 129
Part-time/Temporary or Seasonal Employees: 18 (Benefits provided)
Years on List: 4
Address: 1415 Elm St., Manchester
Website: gscu.org
The core values of respect, integrity, commitment, innovation and passion have guided Granite State Credit Union (GSCU) through 75 years of growth. And it celebrates a culture where employees feel appreciated.
The Cheers for Peers program allows co-workers to send shout-outs to fellow employees on a “Cheers Wall” on the employee intranet. Recipients of shout-outs receive coins for each incident, which can be redeemed for prizes. Plus, managers have treasure chests of treats to give to employees who provide excellent customer service or go above and beyond.
Each year, GSCU hosts an Employee Appreciation Night at a local restaurant that includes photo booths, a catered dinner and silent auction. Employees are given several tickets to bid on various prizes, including TVs, tech gadgets, iPads, sporting and event tickets, gift baskets and gift cards. When GSCU could not hold the in-person event in 2020, it created a virtual “12 Days of Giving,” with raffles, activities and giveaways.
Work/life balance is a priority at the credit union, which offers up to 25 vacation days, 11 paid holidays and six sick days annually. Granite State Credit Union has a policy of approving every vacation request unless there is a strong business need that prevents it, and managers are required to send HR an email if they ever have to say no to an employee time-off request. The CEO also requires a report to her on each request, as well as why the credit union was not able to grant it.