Three New Jersey financial institutions made American Banker’s 10th annual Best Banks to Work For 2022.
A total of 90 banks across the nation made the magazine’s recently released list, which was based on two surveys managed by fellow BridgeTower Media firm Best Companies Group.
The first survey gauged employee satisfaction in eight categories; the second looked at the institutions’ policies and employee benefits.
American Banker noted that the asset size for each bank is as of June 30, 2022, the most recent information available from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.), and that the banks supplied their employee headcounts. Click here to read the full report.
Making the cut from New Jersey are:
No. 33: Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Bedminster
American Banker said Brydget Falk-Drigan, chief human resources officer at Peapack-Gladstone, credited top-down transparent communication from leaders such as President and CEO Douglas Kennedy as one reason for satisfied employees. The magazine said Peapack-Gladstone reported $6.1 billion in assets and nearly 500 employees.
In an email to NJBIZ, Denise Pace-Sanders, senior vice president, managing principal, brand and marketing director for Peapack-Gladstone, said, “This recognition is incredibly important to the Bank because it is powered by our employees. They believe Peapack-Gladstone Bank is a great place to work. And, the fact that they’ve felt that way for five years in a row makes all of us collectively very proud of the work we do, and the support we give each other, our clients and our communities.”
No. 42: Manasquan Bank, Wall Township
James Vaccaro, chairman, president and CEO of Manasquan Bank, told American Banker that the “best way to motivate employees to do their best is by creating an environment where everyone must contribute and everyone understands the strategic goals.”
In a separate statement about the recognition, Vaccaro said the bank was “incredibly proud to be honored.”
“I am continually inspired by our team of high-performing professionals, who work together each day to deliver upon our mission of improving the lives of our clients and enhancing the communities we live in,” Vaccaro said.
The bank has $2.8 billion in assets and more than 220 employees.
No. 76: Lakeland Bank, Oak Ridge
Lakeland President and CEO Thomas Shara told American Banker that the institution prioritizes employees’ work-life balance and has created wellness programs based on staff feedback. Shara said Lakeland considers employees’ “workload, mental and financial health and socialization.”
“It is an honor to be named one of the Best Banks to Work For in the financial industry,” Shara said in a statement emailed to NJBIZ. “I am so proud of this distinguished recognition and thrilled to share it with our amazing associates who make Lakeland a premier bank and continue to go above and beyond to serve our customers every day.”
The statement noted this is the second time that Lakeland has been recognized by the annual program.
Lakeland, which is in merger talks with Provident Bank for $1.3 billion, reported $10.4 billion in assets and more than 900 employees.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:57 a.m. ET Nov. 22 to include a statement from Lakeland Bank.
