Bay Federal named one of ‘2017 Best Credit Unions to Work For’ by Credit Union Journal
CAPITOLA, CA (September 22, 2017) — Bay Federal Credit Union has been named one of the “2017 Best Credit Unions to Work For” for the second time in three years. Credit Union Journal partnered with Best Companies Group to identify credit unions that excel in creating quality workplaces for employees. Bay Federal came in third overall and second among those in the $500M-$1B asset category.
The “Best Credit Unions to Work For” survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best credit unions in the country. The list is made up of 45 credit unions. The full “Best Credit Unions to Work For” list is featured in the September issue of Credit Union Journal and is available online atCUJournal.com.
“It’s such an honor to be recognized as one of the top credit unions to work for in the country,” said Carrie Birkhofer, president and CEO of Bay Federal. “Workplace pride is something that can’t be purchased, trained, or forced. It’s an organic reaction to being part of something exceptional. A culture focused on employee satisfaction is what makes Bay Federal Credit Union a best place to work!”
Bay Federal was also named one of the “Best Places to Work in the Bay Area” the past three years running. As part of its efforts to be an employer of choice in Santa Cruz County, the Credit Union provides employees with a generous benefits package, loan discounts, in-person and online learning, job shadowing, a management training program, a wellness program, recognition and appreciation, and volunteer opportunities.
To be considered for participation in the “2017 Best Credit Unions to Work For” contest, credit unions had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
- Have at least 25 employees working in the U.S.
- Be in business a minimum of one year
- Be in one of the following categories based upon asset size: Over $1 billion, $500M-$1B, $200M-$500M or Under $200M
Determining the “Best Credit Unions to Work For” involved a two-step process. The first step 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 part consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation.
The combined scores determined the best credit unions and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final ranking.
Entire Bay Federal staff unites for Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, the first food bank in California.
Bay Federal executives donate stuffed animals to CASA Monterey County, a nonprofit organization which trains and supports community volunteers who support and guide children in the foster care system.
About Bay Federal Credit Union
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 86,000 members and 2,400 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.
