How a strong culture makes companies like Electro thrive
07/03/2024
By: Brand Avenue Studio
It’s no secret that a positive workplace culture is integral for employee success. Engaged employees are motivated, happier and more likely to stay with a company that provides a supportive work environment.
Culture University
Jim Struble, CEO of Electro Savings Credit Union, developed Culture University as a training model so all employees could learn and participate in shaping a vibrant workplace.
Culture University teaches the staff each aspect of Electro’s culture, including the research and data behind the decisions. It follows the fictional story of a new employee at a fictional company, who encounters the negative repercussions of an undefined work culture. The class spent roughly 90 minutes discussing each chapter and are now working on their graduation projects. To graduate from Culture University, an employee must work alone or in a group to conceptualize, develop and finally run a project that enhances Electro’s culture.
Essentially, they are challenged to find something at Electro that doesn't match the culture, then address how to realign it to the culture or create something new that reinforces it. When complete, each team member will own a part of Electro’s culture, as will all employees as they complete and graduate from Culture University.
“‘What would you do if you weren't afraid?’ is one of my favorite inspirational quotes and one I try to live by. It's a scary proposition to give others the power to change and morph what you have spent years crafting, but this isn't my company,” said Struble. “It is OUR company. In the end, Electro's culture has nothing to do with me but everything to do with our team of employees. Their dreams, experiences and ideas will drive the Electro culture forward, not mine. For that, I thank them!”
Ashley Keegan, vice president of people at Electro Savings Credit Union, says when employees feel valued and cared for, they pay it forward to the credit union’s members by providing attentive and friendly service. It’s no wonder why Electro has garnered awards as a Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. They also are recipients of the Small Business Monthly’s Top 5 in St. Louis for Customer Service award and the St. Louis Business Journal’s Business of Pride award.
Read more about Culture University here.
Babies in the workplace program, a success
Culture needs to be defined and then put into action.
That’s one reason behind Electro’s Babies in the Workplace program. The idea: encourage new parents to bring their newborns into the office. The program became official in early 2020.
“At Electro, our team is always looking for ways to embrace and incorporate policies and practices that align with our three-legged stool: a family atmosphere, collaboration, transparency and accountability,” said Keegan.
Read more about Babies in the Workplace here.
Comprehensive benefit packages for employees
Electro offers a robust benefits package, including a $300 annual reimbursement for health-related activities (gym memberships, home equipment, etc.) and well-being days.
To help ease any financial stress, Electro employees have tuition reimbursement and student loan pay-downs. Since 2017, Electro has paid $38,000 toward student loan repayment. Employees who need to buy clothing for work or technology for professional use can receive 0% interest loans repaid through payroll.
Some of these benefits began with a “wouldn’t it be great if …” conversation, and team members love that at Electro. The team is proud to have been voted one of the best places to work in St. Louis, and the staff are happy to facilitate new ideas that could improve the team's work and home lives.