On the third Wednesday of every month, employees at this not-for-profit financial cooperative meet just to have fun and celebrate accomplishments—donning sumo suits, enjoying skits, or playing game shows with company trivia. STCU is mixing up the world of retail banking with fun and innovative perks, like a Welcome Party for new hires, a Romper Room for alternative meeting formats, and a Culture Club that monitors when the company culture could benefit from a defibrillator. With ample opportunities to develop, including a generous tuition reimbursement, monthly one-on-ones with supervisors, and temporary development assignments, work at STCU is more than just a job.
In 2011, STCU assembled a team of colleagues (shown here in superhero garb) charged with taking the pulse of the culture and showcasing and celebrating examples of great service to credit union members and each other.
STCU colleagues work on a 1,500-piece puzzle comprised of 384 photos of staff at work and play. The 8-by-5-foot puzzle was placed on a wall at the credit union’s headquarters in Liberty Lake, Washington.
Tom Johnson is surprised by a long line of cheering colleagues on his first day as the credit union’s president and CEO.
2012 Best Small & Medium Workplaces 
