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TANYA KESSEL

Team Lead for Recruitment

National Information Solutions Cooperative Mandan, N.D.

IMAGE: NISC

Q.

WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR NEW EMPLOYEES?

A.Our most successful recruitment tool is quite simply our own employees at NISC. We recognize that keeping individuals informed of opportunities within the organization and throughout our talent selection process is key to finding new employees who best match the qualifications of the open position as well the values of our company.

We also appreciate that communities in our region are filled with high-caliber talent. We emphasize the importance of building relationships by actively participating in career and job fairs, maintaining campus connections and offering paid internships with the intent of the positions turning into full-time opportunities.

Q.

A.

WHAT BENEFITS SEEM TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR ATTRACTING NEW EMPLOYEES?

With the workforce being quite dynamic and competitive, we want to ensure we can recruit the best and brightest by offering the best benefits, including a zero-premium health insurance plan for the whole family.

Another not-so-traditional benefit is one of our greatest methods for attracting new employees: our culture. People are the heart of our organization, and we are committed to employee satisfaction.

Flexible work hours, a focus on wellness and regular employee activities are the norm at NISC, creating a family-like atmosphere.

Q.

WHAT BENEFITS SEEM TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR RETAINING NEW EMPLOYEES?

A.For most employees, we’ve found the emphasis is on growth, health and retirement.

From the growth perspective, we encourage continuous coaching between an employee and his or her supervisor, keeping the focus on personal development and career advancement.

We also work diligently to negotiate a health benefits package of the kind mentioned above, which is a very rare offering in today’s business world. Lastly, for those employees planning for the future, our 401(k) retirement plan is very generous with both an annual match and contribution.

Q.

HOW IMPORTANT IS WORK/LIFE BALANCE WHEN IT COMES TO RECRUITING AND RETENTION?

A.Work/life balance is a term you hear often, but at NISC, it is woven into the very fabric of who we are.

We like to think of ourselves as a progressive cooperative and have adopted a number of policies to increase employee satisfaction. From flexible work days to a fully-equipped gym to annual family events, life at NISC is a bit different – and that’s a good thing.

We feel that appreciated employees are engaged employees, and if the employees are taken care of, they will, in turn, take great care of our Member-Owners.

Q.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN THE WORKPLACE?

A.NISC cares deeply about the same things our employees do: Health, community and growth. We offer a wellness program, promoting healthy living and earning health savings account deposits while doing so.

We take great pride in civic engagement and encourage employees to participate and give back to the community. And lastly, we have incorporated the lattice method to encourage growth and career movement for the employees, which helps us develop a more distributed workforce while also encouraging the learning, development and enrichment of our employees’ careers.

ABOUT US:

Fisher Industries is a family of businesses that serves all aspects of the aggregate industry. Whether its manufacturing aggregate processing equipment, mining and delivering aggregate products, or the final roller pass across freshly laid asphalt; we stand ready to tackle the industry’s toughest jobs. But we are so much more than just rocks. We are a unified team, working together to cement our place in the industry. From accountants to welders, we employ over 1,100 professionals during our peak seasons.

Q.

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HOW DOES FWB&T MAKE SURE THAT A NEW HIRE IS A GOOD FIT?

We strive to hire “a good fit” each time. We look for not only the proper skills, but also the proper values: a desire to help others and build relationships in the community.

During the interview process, we describe the culture of the bank and the duties of the position. We keep the process friendly and ask questions to get to know the candidate. We’re looking for team members who strive to be successful and who want to make the bank successful. We love to visit with those active in the community and willing to give back.

First Western Bank & Trust is a great employer, as evidenced by the longevity of our employees. We have many employees celebrating more than 20 years with the bank and some with more than 40 years. Our bank president has worked here since high school.

We are known as a leader in the community and recognize the individuality of our customers. That culture attracts candidates.

Q.

ILENE BAKER

Human Resource Manager

First Western Bank & Trust Minot, N.D. IMAGE: FWB&T

Q.

WHAT BENEFITS SET FWB&T APART AS A GREAT WORKPLACE?

A.When I ask employees this question, their answers vary by what stage of life they’re in. But consistently, two answers are given:

First Western offers a medical benefit that goes above and beyond most employer offerings. We offer a high deductible health plan and a Health Savings Account, with preventive coverages that go beyond those required by the Affordable Care Act.

Additionally, the bank makes monthly contributions to the employee’s Health Savings Account, which not all employers offer. A portion of the premiums for all plans from Single through Family are paid by the bank.

The bank also offers a 401(k) plan, with the bank’s match of the employee’s contribution vesting immediately. The Trust Department manages the plan, and administration fees are waived.

Q.

WHAT DOES FIRST WESTERN BANK & TRUST’S HIRING PROCESS ENTAIL?

A.We value making the process convenient and engaging for our candidates. The position information is linked to our website. This lets the candidate apply seamlessly online.

The position also is posted on websites of the state, nearby colleges, member associations, Indeed and LinkedIn, as well as internally. We receive and value employee referrals.

Applicants are screened in Human Resources for qualifications. We recognize the importance of communication with each candidate and make follow-up a priority.

Usually two rounds of interviews are held. Top candidates may meet with other staff, and any offer is made pending a background check.

I love being able to congratulate a successful candidate and welcome him or her to the team.

All new hires attend First Western University as an introduction to the bank. At the completion of the six weekly classes, our bank president recognizes the graduates and presents them with a gift. They are recognized again in front of their co-workers at the next all-staff meeting, where they are presented with a certificate and a pen and pencil set.

Q.

WHAT CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE CULTURE WOULD A FORMER FWB&T EMPLOYEE FROM THE 1980S BE MOST IMPRESSED WITH TODAY?

A.Taking care of our customers and taking care of our employees have stayed the same. So, First Western Bank & Trust’s biggest change probably has been in technology. In the ’80s, the bank used typewriters, calculators, paper and pen, and customers’ coins and bills were counted manually.

Now, modern technology lets our customers do more banking online from anywhere, any time. Customers pay bills electronically, and businesses can do payroll and deposits from their offices. Information technology is essential for all banking.

WHAT STRATEGIES HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE AT RETAINING EMPLOYEES?

A.FWB&T provides professional development. We give our employees the best knowledge and tools for success and leading the bank into the future.

Employees know that their families come first. We’re flexible with staff so they can enjoy their children’s activities or take care of an ill family member. Our employees are caring, friendly and knowledgeable. They often talk about the First Western family. Co-workers celebrate each other’s birthdays. It’s fun to go to work when you enjoy your co-workers.

Employees are shown appreciation in many ways. We take a week each April to express the bank’s appreciation for staff with special meals such as a barbecue, gifts, and thank you notes from supervisors. There are monthly “treat” days and activities throughout the year such as a family picnic, Office Olympics and chili cook-off, as well as a Christmas celebration that includes a wonderful dinner and entertainment.

All employees are eligible for event ticket drawings throughout the year. And every night of the summer, tickets are available to the Medora Musical. Employees also are encouraged to volunteer and given time at work to do so.