Iowa's Top Workplaces: Veridian Credit Union

A good benefits package can go a long way to making employees happy.

That's why Veridian Credit Union puts such an emphasis on its employee benefits, said Steve Klein, Veridian's manager of training and development. Happy employees, he said, mean better care for customers and credit union members.

"Our members are what keep us up and running and are our No. 1 priority," Klein said. "Our benefits package keeps employees engaged" and focused on the customers.

Veridian's benefits package includes several items, such as a stipend to go toward health insurance as well as access to dental insurance, life insurance and a retirement account, Klein said.

The credit union has also put an emphasis recently on flexible schedules, he said.

Since Veridian locations are open longer than the typical "9 to 5," Klein said the company has been working to develop different schedules to fit with employees' needs while still being available to customers.

In addition, Klein said Veridian wants to help employees advance in the company, meaning Veridian will work with them to help them achieve their goals.

"We're going to work with you from the moment you start to the moment you leave to help develop you to your full potential," he said.

One way Veridian will work with employees is through a variety of internal groups that focus on health, wellness, socializing with coworkers and team building.

Klein said those groups are overseen by company management, but are otherwise run and formed by employees. That makes them another avenue for Veridian to have engaged employees.

"These groups are voluntary and grow organically ... the leadership is just there to make sure the group is getting the support it needs to move forward," Klein said.

Veridian Credit Union

Locations: 27 Iowa locations, headquartered in Waterloo

Founded: 1934

Ownership: Cooperative/Mutual

Iowa employees: 606

Top executive: Jean Trainor, CEO