Perks are great, but it’s culture that keeps employees. No one knows that better than the organizations on the 2019 list of the Best Companies to Work For in NH. Firms had to complete an extensive employer application detailing not only their benefits, but the policies and programs they have in place geared to creating a great workplace for employees. Here is a profile of one of this year's winning companies:
Nonprofit cooperative credit union
President/CEO: Michael L’Ecuyer
Years in Business: 98
Full-Time Employees: 88
Part-Time/Temporary/Seasonal Employees: 7
Years on List: 6 (plus two in Hall of Fame)
Address: 425 Hooksett Road, Manchester, NH 03104
Website: bccu.org
Top Employee-Engagement Survey Measures:
My manager is interested in my well being: 95% agree
I can keep a reasonable balance between work and personal life: 95% agree
Empowering employees is a leadership philosophy that continues to evolve at Bellwether Community Credit Union (BCCU). Employees at various levels are frequently teamed up with senior management for the research, development, planning and implementation of initiatives and improvements submitted by employees. Since 2012, nearly 100 have been submitted, with more than 70% implemented or in the works.
BCCU’s profit-sharing bonus plan is designed for all employees to work together toward common goals and objectives with a chance to earn up to a 5% cash payout and up to a 5% profit sharing contribution.
There’s a reason so many employees believe the credit union helps them to balance work and home life. BCCU limits overtime, keeps workloads realistic and offers compressed work weeks and alternative and flexible scheduling. In addition to offering two weeks paternity leave and 12 weeks maternity leave, bonding leave also is offered for new adoptive parents.
Nursing moms get mini refrigerators at their work station.
The credit union focuses on recruiting people who have a philosophical fit with the company and sets individual development goals agreed to by the manager and the employee. Bellwether separated raises from employee reviews to allow employees and managers to focus on performance and development.
The “Past, Present, and Future Celebration” brings together staff and board members. This year, departments were challenged to “become a famous family” and responded with themes including the Flintstones, the Partridge Family, the Incredibles and the castaways of Gilligan’s Island.