Executive Letter: Boosting Employee Wellbeing
By Rose Oswald Poels
Culture plays an important role in shaping the identity and values of an organization. In much the same way as banks are recognized for their dedication to community wellbeing, they are equally committed to fostering workspaces in which bankers are engaged, empowered, and valued. When a team feels inspired to collaborate and contribute their best, it not only enhances the workplace environment but also propels the bank towards sustained success and growth.
With numerous bankers reaching milestone anniversaries every year, the banking industry is known to cultivate enduring and fulfilling careers. However, in order to ensure that the trend of strong employee satisfaction continues for years to come, it is important that banks are proactive in fostering a sense of belonging among all employees.
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 1–2 p.m., the Wisconsin Bankers Association will host Beth Ridley, a leading, Wisconsin-based consultant, for a one-hour webinar on improving the bank’s ability to recruit and retain top talent, enhance its brand, and increase profitability through building and maintaining a workplace culture committed to belonging. The webinar is free to all WBA-member banks, and a recording will be available following the presentation.
In addition to hosting the WBA all-member webinar, Beth Ridley has been enlisted to facilitate WBA’s employee resource group (ERG) through November 2024. Under her guidance, participants will have the opportunity to build upon the strategies discussed during the free webinar through a nine-part discussion series focused on belonging and building engagement. Participation in the ERG is free and includes access to Ridley’s website with pre-session materials and additional resources. Both the free webinar and the ERG meetings are open to all bankers.
Instilling in your team the value of their contributions and perspectives fosters inclusion that goes beyond day-to-day operations. Actions such as asking team members for input on key decisions, encouraging involvement in employee-led groups, and expressing interest in their personal and professional lives help build trust and boost employee morale. For the bank, these actions contribute to a workplace culture where employees feel able to effectively communicate, collaborate, and contribute to the collective success of the organization.
To learn more and access resources that assist your bank in fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered, please visit wisbank.com/DEI.
