BCU Named Two-Time Gallup^® Exceptional Workplace Award Winner

Chicago - BCU is honored to have earned the 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) for the second consecutive year. This award recognizes the most engaged workplace cultures in the world. Unwavering in its Purpose of Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom, the Credit Union keeps members and employees at the forefront of every decision it makes. BCU employees are integral to amplifying the organization’s Purpose and bringing it to life.

“We take immense pride in being recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace for two consecutive years,” said BCU President & CEO Mike Valentine. “We remain steadfast in our focus of providing a best-in-class culture for our employees, who extend that positive experience to the members, companies, and communities we serve.”

With a strategic approach to talent acquisition, employee onboarding, internal communication; and a comprehensive benefits package that includes workforce flexibility, the Credit Union has created a strong and fulfilling culture. “We strive to foster an environment where our employees can thrive,” said BCU Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Baron. “If employees feel engaged, they will bring their best, authentic selves to work, and maintain a strong connection to our organizational purpose.

“The commitment to employee well-being is evident through initiatives like 'b you,' offering a range of physical, mental, and financial well-being opportunities, including competitive medical and dental plans, mentorship programs, virtual group wellness sessions, financial capability training, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Additionally, resources such as tuition reimbursement and upskilling programs, alongside dedicated support through initiatives like the GenerUs financial hardship fund, further demonstrate BCU's commitment to its employees.

Beyond its internal focus, BCU extends its culture of giving through volunteer opportunities. As many of its cross-functional teams and employee resource groups often do, the ‘We For She’ (ERG) hosted a Habitat for Humanity build, organized an angel tree during the holidays to support a local refugee camp, and most recently hosted a blanket-making event to support Project Linus.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to BCU's values, exemplified by the establishment of the Credit Union’s DEI Council and its collaboration with celebrity financial educator Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche. BCU earned Aliche’s inaugural Budgetnista Stamp of Approval for empowering racial equity and access to inclusive financial resources, culture training, microaggressions training, and Inclusive Leadership Development sessions. The organization remains focused on refining specific, actionable strategies to serve as a supportive ally in the workplace.

“I’m thrilled with the progress we’ve made this past year,” said Valentine. “From DEI initiatives and employee development opportunities to accountability measures and advocacy around our Purpose, BCU’s Gallup Q12 employee feedback continues to help us improve year over year,” he continued. “We’re honored to receive this recognition from Gallup, further cementing our position as a leader in the industry. As a team, we are so proud of these accomplishments and look forward to many more years of supporting BCU’s growth and helping our members achieve their dreams.”

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About BCU: BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned Credit Union that is fiercely dedicated to Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom. At just under $6B in assets, BCU is driven by its commitment to providing a fast, easy, secure banking experience and extraordinary service for close to 350,000 members. The BCU field of membership includes employees and families of large employers that are focused on the financial well-being of their workforce; those who live or work in northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and the island of Puerto Rico; and subscribers of BCU’s wholly-owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), Life. Money. You.^® within communities and Fortune 100 workplaces throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. All BCU members enjoy lifetime access to financial services and well-being programming that inspire confidence through the brand promise “Here Today For Your Tomorrow.”

To learn more about how we can help you realize your financial dreams, visit BCU.org.

Members of the media can obtain more information by visiting BCU.org/About-Us/Media-Relations.