MADISON – Bank Independent was recently named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama, ranking #3 in the state for the second year in a row. The Bank, which has a branch in Madison, was the highest ranked company headquartered in Alabama in the large company division and was the top financial institution ranked in the state. This annual rankings program created by Business Alabama and Best Companies Group is in its twelfth year.

“This ranking is very impactful because it is based on direct employee feedback and reveals we are doing the right things for our team members,” says Rick Wardlaw, C.E.O. at Bank Independent.  “I’m proud that we topped the list of large employers headquartered in Alabama.  Bank Independent is headquartered in the Shoals, serves 17 communities across seven counties, and builds our team from over 600 local hires who live within our business footprint.  We want to be the employer of choice in our communities.  Employee satisfaction is integral to achieving this vision, and satisfied team members are great for Alabama business.”

This survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Alabama, benefiting the economy, workforce, and businesses. The list is made up of 23 companies.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

– Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;

– Be a publicly or privately held business;

– Have a facility in Alabama;

– Have at least 15 employees in Alabama;

– Be in business a minimum of 1 year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Alabama, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.

The actual rankings will be revealed in the publication of the August 2021 issue of Business Alabama.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama program, visit www.BestCompaniesAL.com.