JACKSON, Mich.–American 1 Credit Union said effective Jan. 1 it will be enhancing its pay and benefits for employees, including a new program called “Responsible Time Off.”
With the new year the credit union said it will increase its minimum wage to $15 per hour, give employees all federal employees off, and institute Responsible Time Off to “ensure employees have ample personal days.”
In addition, every benefit, including medical insurance, will be effective from day one on the job, meaning there will be no waiting period.
“We’re honored to have employees of excellence at American 1 and want them to know how appreciated they are. We’re also always looking to recruit new talent who exemplify our core values,” said Tonia White, chief employee experience officer. “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic and during the lockdown last year, our staff demonstrated our core values in full force by showing up ready to assist members while also making accommodations to keep everyone safe. We’re excited about our new time off program, which will allow staff to request personal days off for whatever is important to them, whether it’s a getaway or just a week or so to relax. If it’s important to them, it’s important to us.”
Review of Holiday Schedule
American 1 said it also looked at the federal holiday schedule and the days the CU is currently observing.
White said the credit union was inspired by Juneteenth National Independence Day becoming a federal holiday in 2020 and wanted to honor the day. As a result, the CU reconsidered the federal holiday schedule overall and is now closed all federal holidays.
“From now on, our employees will have federal holidays off to spend however they choose,” White said. “Thanks to technology and digital banking options, our members will continue to have the resources they need to help with their everyday banking, even on days we are closed. This change will allow for a better work-life balance for our dedicated employees while still caring for our members. It’s a great all-around situation.”
‘Even Better Work Experience’
American 1 said the new benefits are in addition to the existing list of benefits it already provides employees, including health insurance at no cost to full-time employees, student loan repayment options, college tuition reimbursement and retirement benefits.
“We are very excited about making these changes for our employees,” said Martha Fuerstenau, American 1 Credit Union President/CEO. “We feel this will make an even better work experience for our employees, as well as a better overall experience for our members. At American 1, we are always looking at ways we can improve and adapt as the world around us changes. These incentives are our way of saying we appreciate and value every employee. As we move forward and look toward onboarding new staff members, we are excited to show them their value from day one.”
The Benefits
American 1 Credit Union said its full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Credit Union Contribution to 401k
- Vacation Days & Sick/Personal Time (effective through 2021 year-end)
- Responsible Time Off (effective January 1, 2022)
- Paid Holidays Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Student Loan Repayment
- Shift Premium
- Paid Volunteer Time Off