First Merchants Bank receives national recognition

First Merchants Bank, which has branches in Monroe County, has been named among the “2022 Best Banks to Work For” by American Banker.

The announcement was made this week.

“We have prioritized listening to our employees first and meeting their needs. This has strengthened our company culture and helped unite employees to better serve our communities. We are grateful for their continued hard work,” CEO Mark Hardwick said.

For the American Banker recognition, First Merchants employees were asked to complete the Best Companies Group Employer Benefits & Policies questionnaire. Employees also answered a confidential 77-question employee engagement and satisfaction survey to help assess their workplace experience and culture. Winners were then determined by the American Banker, based on the size of the company and an in-depth analysis of responses to the two assessments.

“First Merchants Bank authentically strives to put employees first to create an inspiring and inviting workplace, seeking to meet their career advancement needs. This recognition reflects genuine and continuous efforts to improve employee career advancement and to link daily work to a meaningful ‘larger purpose’ in helping the financial wellness of the communities served by the bank,” First Merchants said. “First Merchants does this with an inclusively diverse mindset toward teamwork and collaboration. Our workplace environment reinforces a sense of belonging where people can thrive while providing a ‘helping you prosper’ approach to serving customers. Through straight talk, sound advice and actions reflecting honesty and fair-dealing, First Merchants believes in strong character qualities to attract talented people and to attract customers who desire to be positively served by such people.”

First Merchants also was named “Best Leadership Team” and “Best Work-Life Balance” this year.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: First Merchants Bank receives national recognition