2013 Choice Employers, 25 to 100 Employees No. 1: UMB Bank

Kansas City-based UMB Bank (Nasdaq:UMBF) employs 29 full- and five part-time workers in the Springfield area. The bank offers 15 to 19 paid days off for all employees – with no waiting period – and a comprehensive health care package including company-paid life insurance. UMB pays 51 to 75 percent of health insurance premiums for all workers and insurance benefits are offered to employees caring for aging parents and domestic partners. The company also extends four to five weeks of maternity or paternity leave with pay to all new parents and offers adoption assistance of up to $6,000 for eligible associates.

Editor’s note: Answers provided by spokeswoman Ann Marie Baker.

What tools does the company use to recruit and retain staff?
“The tools that have been the most successful include LinkedIn, social media channels, employee referrals, diversity and community partnerships, college and university postings, and traditional job boards. Not only does UMB recruit the top talent in the industry, we also strive to retain those associates with various programs and practices to assist in professional development. These programs include tuition reimbursement and paid certification programs. The company also offers a comprehensive internal training and development program. UMB offers formal development programs, as well as promoting a corporate culture that encourages mentoring between associates.”

What innovative ways has the company developed to reward employees?
“Creating memorable experiences for our customers is our goal regardless of general economic circumstances. Our compensation options include base pay, various incentive compensation programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, as well as short-term and long-term incentive plans. Additionally, we have an internal rewards program that allows associates to reward fellow co-workers. One of the many ways associates can do this is by submitting a More Moment on the company’s intranet or sending an associate a Wow card when they see someone creating the unparalleled customer experience in someone else’s life.”

What is the most celebrated perk among your staff?
“The many different features of UMB’s overall benefits package provide at least one favorite for everyone. This package includes generous paid time off, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, the employer match of up to 6 percent on 401(k) contributions and many other opportunities for specialized coverage. In addition, UMB offers a free wellness program allowing participants to receive discounts on their medical premiums as well as promoting healthy lifestyles. Associates also get 10 paid holidays each year.”

What methods does the company have in place to solicit employee input?
“We have multiple channels for employee input, including an annual associate survey. Each year, we celebrate areas of success and focus on areas of opportunity. Another avenue of feedback is through UMB’s online OpenDoor, so that associates may share feedback to top management confidentially and anonymously.”[[In-content Ad]]