EmployIndy launched the Good Wages Initiative in April 2022 after more than a year of collaboration, deliberation, and strategic planning with a group of community stakeholders. This initiative certifies, celebrates, and showcases Marion County employers that are committed to providing full-time employees both a wage of at least $18/hour and access to health insurance benefits. Marion County businesses can participate in the Good Wages Initiative as either a Certified or Committed Employer. Certified GWI employers pay all employees $18/hour or more and offer access to health benefits. Committed status is available to employers who do not yet meet one or both certification requirements but have created a plan to implement them within two years.
49 companies have signed on to the Good Wages Initiative, spanning a diverse group of industries and organizational sizes. Of those 49 employers, 48 are recognized as Good Wages Initiative Certified Employers, including The National Bank of Indianapolis.
The National Bank of Indianapolis was founded in 1993 and is the city’s largest locally-owned national bank, focused on providing exceptional service to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. By joining the Good Wages Initiative, The National Bank of Indianapolis has committed to paying a wage of at least $18/hr and offering employer-sponsored health insurance to its 312 full-time employees.
Two employees shared their experiences at The National Bank of Indianapolis and what it means for the company to commit to its employees through the Good Wages Initiative. Nitza Duran and Chari Foster are two of the Bank’s Customer Service Representatives; Nitza joined the company in April 2021, and Chari has been with the company since December 2019. As Customer Service Representatives, they assist clients with all types of transactions and are focused on providing prompt, efficient, accurate, and high-quality client service and on upholding the Bank’s culture of excellence.
When asked about what they enjoy most about their roles, Nitza and Chari both identified getting to know clients and the opportunities they have to learn on the job. As Nitza put it, “There is always something to discover, and I enjoy learning new things.” Chari shared that she enjoys being “given an opportunity to learn about the client, their needs, and future steps I can take to better assist other clients.”
The National Bank of Indianapolis, through its commitment to the Good Wages Initiative, raised wages for many of its employees, including Nitza and Chari. Chari graduated from college in December 2019 and ran into challenges finding a job due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic; at the Bank, she found community, stability, and a company that cares about her as a person. The wage increases have allowed her to meet her needs and feel valued as an employee. Nitza shared that the increased wages show that the company values its employees and that the Bank recognizes the time and effort she has put into being a great employee.
Nitza believes that the company will see a return on its investment in its people, that employees will be satisfied and that the company culture will remain strong. Chari agreed, sharing that those actions mean more than words and that good wages and health insurance mean a lot. She concluded, “At The National Bank of Indianapolis, I found everything I needed and more. I have community, health coverage, a considerable amount of time to take off regarding personal and/or family matters, and a company that sees the benefits of a wage increase for its employee’s day-to-day life. It means I am blessed for sure.”
The National Bank of Indianapolis exemplifies what it means to be a Certified Good Wages Initiative Employer of Choice. Investing in its employees has benefits for the company, and the company serves as both a leader and advocate by providing wages and benefits that improve an employee’s quality of life and help to make a difference in the community.
The National Bank of Indianapolis shows that continuous investment in its people drives outcomes for the business, improves employees’ quality of life, and makes a difference in the community, and they serve as a model of what it means to be a Certified Good Wages Initiative Employer of Choice.
To learn more about The National Bank of Indianapolis, visit https://www.nbofi.com.