In an anonymous survey taken by SFCU staff, the credit union received 9.45 points out of 10 for Rewards and Recognition, 9.28 points for Benefits and 9.25 points for Training and Education.

"We never aspired to win this award," said SFCU President/CEO Byron Edgett. "When our employees are happy our members are happy. It's a trusting environment where everyone looks out for each others' best interests."

He adds that the leadership from the board to the executive management team has a longstanding tradition of creating an atmosphere that revolves around the employees' welfare.

"We certainly didn't do this alone," said Edgett. "We had the vision, heart and desire to be an employer of choice and had the help of a lot of people to make it a reality."

Charlotte Nemec, vice president of administration credits the open, constant communication not only between management, but across departments and among all staffers.

"We don't have a suggestion box and never even considered it," said Nemec. "Anything employees feel they want or need they are comfortable approaching any member of the management team including Byron. It is a great morale boost to know that everyone's ideas matter."

She adds that as a smaller organization it is relatively easy to quickly act on employee suggestions. For example, to help create a relaxed approachable environment where employees are excited about coming to work everyday, unique fun rewards are a Spokane FCU standard. When an energetic employee suggested turning a large island countertop in the Finance Department into a ping-pong table as a way to relieve stress, it happened just a short while later. The ping-pong island has now evolved into a favorite gathering place to catch up and play with coworkers during their breaks.

"It is about making the workplace better so whether the staffer was joking or not executive management took it seriously," said Nemec. "That makeshift island has become so popular that we recently had a tournament where we moved it to the break room and the employees loved it. We do our best to find ways to make their day and the staff then does the same for our members."

She adds that it is those little things, like the writing of thank you notes to each other, taking time to recognize people who go above and beyond everyday, that add up to a big boost in employee morale. Combined with the open door policy that encourages creative thinking and empowers employees to create their own goals and take more ownership of finding solutions for the organization as a whole.

"Something happened a few years ago that really helped us turn a corner–we quit focusing on the little stuff," said Vice President of Finance Joe Murcar. "So instead of focusing for example on the dress code whether someone has on the right blouse or who is wearing a tie, that went by the wayside and now we have a generous dress code that includes logowear. And in a survey of what reward employees wanted most for doing a good job every single person wrote dress down days with food running a close second that is a big deal. We realized that nitpicking doesn't create an atmosphere where you can enjoy the job."

Edgett says he believes in a collaborative management style.

"We've decentralized decisions and do our best to train and educate employees so they are empowered to make the best decisions for their members," said Edgett. "You can't put a template on service, employees need to take ownership and our employees develop good instincts. It's a great impact on morale to know that you are important enough to make a decision and not be fired if it turns out to be a mistake. Mistakes become a training tool that employees stretch and learn from."

When it comes to training and development, in addition to the core basics Spokane FCU also offers leadership classes designed to identify potential leaders within the organization and really hone leadership skills. There is also a big focus on striking the balance between work and family.

"We don't expect anyone to work over 40 hours a week–we encourage family life and our programs, training, benefits and culture are designed to support that work/life balance," said Nemec. "It is about working together to help ensure that employees can enjoy their family and their careers and that is probably the best 'benefit' Spokane FCU provides."

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