The Importance of Culture and Employee Retention at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

Written by CRBT President, James D. Klein

In today’s competitive business landscape, retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. At Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, we’ve found that a strong company culture is key to not only attracting but also keeping the best employees. We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. While every organization is unique, the core beliefs that guide our culture can offer valuable lessons for any business leader looking to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Strengthen Your Workplace Culture: Key Takeaways from Our Core Beliefs

• Balance is Key: At CRBT, we believe that balance is key to our success. Our clients, employees, shareholders, and community are equally important. Ask yourself: Are your current practices aligned with the needs of all your stakeholders? By ensuring everyone’s best interests are considered, you create a win-win situation that benefits all parties.
• Trust as the Foundation: Trust is the cornerstone of our relationships. Healthy relationships are built when all parties are committed to the best interests of others. We trust our employees to do the right thing, and in return, they trust in the support of their peers and leadership. Leaders can cultivate a similar environment by modeling transparency, encouraging open communication, and supporting collaboration. When employees feel trusted, they are more likely to be engaged, loyal, and productive.
• Striving for Excellence: Excellence is more than just a goal; it’s a continuous journey. Being the best requires a commitment to continuous improvement in everything we do. Foster a culture of excellence in your organization by encouraging innovation, setting high standards, and investing in professional development. Over the years, we have implemented a strong mentorship and leadership development program. We also celebrate exceptional service. Create a group dedicated to recognizing outstanding client service amongst colleagues. Remember, excellence is about striving to be better each day, not about achieving perfection. By celebrating your team’s successes and offering the right support, you empower them to keep growing.
• Maintaining Perspective: We believe that perspective is crucial in achieving a fulfilling work environment. Life should be more than work, and work should be fun. To maintain a healthy perspective, encourage your employees to bring their whole selves to work, find joy in their roles, and prioritize work-life balance. Consider implementing initiatives that promote fun and camaraderie. At CRBT, we do a variety of activities from department team building, company-wide socials, to seasonal celebrations. We have committees for fun events, wellness, employee recognition, and community engagement, just to name a few.

The Value of Consistency

Consistency in our values and practices builds a stable and supportive environment where every employee knows they are valued. As a leader, your role is to provide that consistency and the support your team needs to reach their full potential.

Community Involvement: Creating a Sense of Purpose

We believe in giving back to the community that supports us. Encouraging community involvement and volunteering not only benefits the community, but also fosters a sense of purpose among employees that goes beyond our day-to-day work. At CRBT, our employees eagerly jump at the opportunity to volunteer, as it’s deeply embedded in our culture. Many have shared that our commitment to volunteerism is one of the things they love most about working here—it's even a key reason why many have returned to CRBT. Consider how your organization can engage with the community in a way that aligns with your values.

Every Role Matters

Every role in an organization is important. Leaders should recognize and celebrate the contributions of all employees. At CRBT, whether their role is on the front lines with our clients or working behind the scenes, we firmly believe their contribution makes a difference. Empowering employees to take initiative and contribute their ideas can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic workplace. We’ve seen this numerous times throughout our 23 years of service, from creating an employee Community Engagement Committee, to providing employees free access to the Calm app, and even turning our signature chocolate chunk cookie into our mascot, Chip – all driven by employees at different levels. Remember, the best ideas often come from collaboration and creativity across all levels of the organization.

Final Thoughts

At Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, our commitment to our core beliefs: balance, trust, excellence, and perspective has created a thriving workplace culture. By adopting and adapting the values of your organization, you can cultivate a work environment where your employees not only succeed, but also thrive. After all, a successful organization is one where work is more than just a job—it’s a place where people are empowered, supported, and engaged.