Bank launches employee morale program
Bank of the Islands Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff knew the COVID-19 restrictions put in place for the safety of customers and employees were taking a toll on the staff. His team missed the camaraderie of being with each other and customers before the days of masks and plexiglass dividers.
Over the summer, he launched Awesome August, during which office protocols were changed to make things a little more fun. For example, sneakers and comfortable flat footwear for the staff on Fridays. Roepstorff challenged bank President Robbie Roepstorff to take on activities for the next month and Santa in September was born.
“There was something new and fun to surprise the staff with every week,” Roepstorff said of the program that took place in all Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands locations. “Gifts of ornaments, poems, Christmas-related emojis, mini-stockings stuffed with sweet treats and cash, even a holiday pizza party. The highlight had to be the Christmas Couture Contest. Richard Shera’s costume — from his red socks to his Santa mask — made him the clear winner on Sanibel.”
Now in its third month, the program is in full swing with the start of Optimistic October.
“I came into work to find a lottery ticket on my desk,” Vice President of Private Client Relations David Lowden said. “I haven’t checked to see if I’m a winner yet, but I am indeed feeling very optimistic.”