What Makes People Stay Longer?

Four years. That’s the average time a person will spend at any one job. For those of us in HR and Talent Acquisition, it feels a lot shorter. It’s a constant battle (especially here in the Midwest where the unemployment rate is low) to fill positions and keep them filled.

That’s why this next statistic may blow your mind. At First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, we have nearly 90 people celebrating milestone anniversary of 20 years or more this year. What’s our secret? I think it’s a combination of things.

Culture of Giving Back

It’s well-known that Millennials and members of Gen Z want to work (and support) companies that believe in causes and giving back. This is the very foundation of our culture. PREMIER was founded by Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who has pledged to die broke. He has already given away millions of dollars. We follow his example. PREMIER supports more than 600 organizations and sponsors several events throughout the state every year. We are one of the largest supporters of our local United Way
and together with Mr. Sanford, the executive leadership and employees have donated $1.5 billion to South Dakota organizations. While this culture of generosity is attractive to new employees, it’s also what has contributed to the longevity of our team.

Spirit of Volunteerism

A UnitedHealthcare Study found 75 percent of employees who volunteer through their workplace feel better about their employer and tend to be more engaged at work. Respondents also said volunteering lowered stress and improved their moods. Volunteerism is another ingredient of our secret sauce. In 2018, our employees logged nearly 30,000 volunteer hours. We also offer paid volunteer hours for our hourly employees who may not have as much flexibility. We look for opportunities to bring causes to
our employees. This could be wrapping Christmas presents for abused and neglected children, gathering food for local pantries and hosting a personal necessities drive for homeless shelters. Giving our time is just as integral to our culture as giving monetary support.

Opportunities for Growth – Professionally and Personally

In 1997, the organization launched PREMIER University to help employees maintain regulatory excellence. Over the decades, PREMIER University has grown into a tool to encourage professional and personal growth. Classes are structured to meet specific job needs and professional development goals. Fun, motivational speakers are also invited to inspire and challenge employees to push themselves to be greater.

Acknowledgement

We’re not just talking about a pat on the back or a bump in pay. We celebrate success at First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard and we do it in some big ways. Jeff Foxworthy, Andy Grammer, Jake Owen, One Republic, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and other celebrity acts have performed concerts for our employees. We’ve given away cars, cash and vacations. Holiday gifts throughout the years range from video cameras and TVs to tablets and Apple watches.

Walking the Walk

Benefits and compensation aside, I think people stay with PREMIER because our leaders have worked to create an environment of respect, fun and giving back. They walk the walk. They meet with new employees, are involved in community organizations and give personally to causes important to them. But most importantly, they recognize our people are our greatest asset.
There is no one secret to employee longevity. At PREMIER, it’s a combination of things that all work together. Whatever we’re doing, it must be right!

Member FDIC. AA/EOE.