Independent Banker - December 2023 - 40

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$751M-$1B
BOM BANK
WALKING THE WALK
BY DON SADLER
hen it comes to creating a
great place to work, BOM
Bank walks the walk. Just ask their
employees, who rave about working
for the $972 million‑asset community
bank in Natchitoches, La.
In addition to top‑notch benefits
like generous paid time off and health
and dental insurance that's 100% paid
for by the bank, employees appreciate
BOM Bank's commitment to the
community and to employees' lives
outside of the workplace.
W
" I love how involved we are in the
community, " says one employee.
According to another, " BOM Bank
is very good to work for because of
the community involvement and the
way they treat their people. The bank
offers advancement opportunities and
training, as well as strong leadership. "
Senior vice president and
marketing director Carrie Hough
joined BOM Bank 16 years ago as the
personal assistant to the president,
but she was promoted to marketing
director in just six months. She says
opportunities for advancement are
one of the biggest benefits of working
at the bank. " We always look to
promote internally before hiring from
outside, " she says.
Unique employee benefits
Human resources manager Claire
Mayeaux cites a long list of employee
benefits offered by BOM Bank. " For
example, employees receive a $250
clothing voucher to purchase work
attire, " she says. " The bank encourages
continuing education and covers the
cost for employees to attend training
and education classes. "
Hough says that BOM Bank is
known for its community involvement
and volunteer work: " This comes
BOM Bank
Natchitoches, La.
Assets: $972 million
bofm.com
from our president and CEO, Ken
Hale, who is a big believer in giving
back to the community. " Employees
are allowed to spend work hours
volunteering in the community. Over
the past year, BOM Bank employees
spent 5,000 hours performing
volunteer service.
Top tips for creating a great workplace
Lots of businesses say that their employees are " like family, " but
BOM Bank really means it, says senior vice president and marketing
director Carrie Hough. " This is what I would say is a key to creating a
great workplace. "
Human resources manager Claire Mayeaux says that management
has its priorities in order and puts family above business. " When my
twin girls were born, our president Ken Hale texted me and said to
take care of my family first and worry about my job later, " she says.
" It's great to get this kind of support from top leadership. "
The community bank recently
conducted an employee survey to
learn about other ways they could
create a great workplace. " One
thing employees stressed was the
importance of flexibility and PTO
so they can focus on their families, "
says Mayeaux. In response, the bank
increased the number of personal
days from two days a year to five
days, on top of vacation and sick time,
and increased bereavement leave
from three days to seven days for
members of the immediate family.
" Our president [and CEO] didn't
hesitate to do this, " says Mayeaux.
" It's good to know that this time off is
available if it's ever needed. "
In December, all employees and
their families are invited to the big
40 // ICBA Independent Banker // December 2023
http://www.bofm.com
Independent Banker - December 2023

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