Commerce Bank’s local work force comprises 202 full-time and 65 part-time employees. Benefits include a 401(k) plan and a tuition reimbursement program. Health insurance, with premiums partially paid by the company, is available to full-time staff, and bonuses are available to all employees. Other perks include adoption assistance and college savings programs. Commerce also offers opportunities for employees to gain stock options, and there is no waiting period to participate. Bonuses are available to all employees. Commerce also has an employee mentoring program and often fills management positions via internal promotions.
How does your company foster employee loyalty?“The Commerce culture is strong (and comprises) several components that attract applicants and retain employees. … Maintaining a dynamic culture with strong core values, exemplifying top-notch customer service –inside and outside – providing excellent training programs, fostering an environment of mentoring, succession planning and team work, all work together to … grow employee loyalty.”
How does your business support work-life balance for employees?“Commerce provides personal time for all employees to use throughout the year to attend events that aren’t scheduled outside of working hours. … Some employees have the capability to work from home when needed and flexible hours allow for nontraditional work schedules.”
Has the economy made it difficult to award raises? How are employee efforts rewarded?“Merits are provided based on performance. Commerce has continued to maintain a steady merit award program with yearly raises to all employees based on meeting individual goals. ... Managers also have the ability to recognize employee efforts in various ways such as through our gift card program, reward luncheons, time off work, movie tickets or other special recognition rewards.”
What makes your company’s benefits offering stand out in the market? “Commerce not only offers the standard health, dental and vision benefits for full-time employees but also offers supplemental insurance such as Aflac cancer and accident protection plans and a … long-term care plan. Part-time employees also are eligible for the supplemental insurance plans plus the vision plan. The most popular benefit for part-time employees is the tuition assistance benefit that provides $1,500 per year for undergraduate classes and $3,000 per year for graduate classes.”
How does your company support employees’ desires to give back to the community? “Companywide, Commerce is a big supporter of United Way and annually runs a Pace Setter campaign in the Springfield region. (We also participate) in the annual Day of Caring. Commerce supports various fundraisers for United Way, American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, Boys and Girls Clubs and (others). … Employees can (use) paid time off to participate in fundraising events. Fundraising events are held within the branches and in departments.”
What is the most celebrated benefit/perk among your staff? “Usually held during fundraising events is the opportunity to wear jeans on Fridays for a minimal donation. ... Our tuition assistance program is a popular benefit … for both undergraduate and graduate classes.”
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