Centier Bank has repeatedly gained recognition for its workplace culture, and one of those reasons is because of its visionary leadership that puts people before profit. In 2020, one of the initiatives that was prioritized was the creation of an all-associate diversity council.
The Centier Bank Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council was created to foster, cultivate, and preserve a culture of empowerment for all Centier associates. The council’s priorities are to identify, ally, and advocate for a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, as well as broaden discussions for social understanding.
Centier Bank has an award-winning culture built on a foundation of best practices that serve as an example for other organizations. But, as time goes on and the global society evolves, Centier Bank recognized an opportunity for associates, senior management, board of directors, and leadership to band together in action. The council invites discussion and education among associates for a better understanding to improve Centier's workplace experience.
Dan Beechy, Fort Wayne Branch Manager, has sat on the council since its creation last year. He said his personal goal is to ensure that everyone feels supported and accepted at Centier Bank.
“We have what’s called Associate Resource Groups, which are groups that people are either a part of or support—there are break out groups focused on representation in terms of race, gender identity, disabilities, and even groups especially for LGBTQ+ and Veterans,” Beechy explained. “Understanding systemic bias, promoting representation and inclusion for marginalized groups and those who are disenfranchised is the best way to provide quality care for anyone--including clients.”
The rapid development of the Associate Resource Groups is the result of Centier’s commitment of creating a family environment among its associates, clients, and community. In terms of timing, Beechy said it’s never too late to progress forward and start conversations.
“For example, people who identify as LGBTQ+--especially those who are in the closet, know that we are a safe place to turn to for whatever they need,” Beechy said. “Feeling comfortable and welcome at work is vital to employee satisfaction and happiness—Centier has been awarded for its workplace culture and for how its leaders value associates and clients. We are building off that. Acknowledging that there is still work that needs to be done—whether it’s within your company or your city or your country is not a weakness—it’s a powerful step in the right direction.”
Centier Banks’ dedication to educating their associates on important social issues will help associates become more rounded, active members of not only their place of employment, but in their own communities. This effort is to aid in individual growth and provide education and support that will in turn, improve the level of care provided to clients.
“Having a better understanding of the world around us and the experiences that make people unique will provide us a greater understanding of what each client needs,” Beechy explained. “In all the places I’ve worked, Centier has been the most thoughtful organization I’ve ever belonged to. When businesses take the steps to make their employees better people inside and outside of work, our communities thrive and become better places to live and work.”
For more information about Centier Bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, go to https://www.centier.com/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion-standards/.
