Bank Independent receives nod for ‘best’ places to work in Alabama

SHEFFIELD – Bank Independent is going to need a bigger trophy case. The Shoals area community bank, now a regional force, is accustomed to making “best of’’ style lists.

It’s time to add another to the growing index of superlatives.

Bank Independent was recently named as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Alabama.” This annual program, created by Business Alabama magazine and Best Companies Group, is in its 14th year.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Bank Independent has made the list. Previously this year, Bank Independent was ranked No. 33 in the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces by Newsweek magazine and No. 34 by American Banker magazine Best Banks to Work For. It was the fifth straight year the bank made American Banker’s rankings.

“We are excited to once again be on the list for Best Companies to Work For in Alabama,” Bank Independent CEO Rick Wardlaw said. “All the honors received this year are proof that we are doing right by our team members. Their satisfaction with their work is integral to us being the bank and employer of choice in our communities.”

This survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Alabama, benefiting the economy, workforce, and businesses.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill these requirements:

• Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;
• Be a publicly or privately held business;
• Have a facility in Alabama;
• Have at least 15 employees in Alabama;
• Be in business a minimum of one year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama.

The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Alabama, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.

The rankings will be revealed in the publication of the December 2023 issue of Business Alabama. 

For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama program, visit www.BestCompaniesAL.com.