First Midwest Bank isn’t just making headlines by being ranked on Brill Street + Company’s “2011 Top 50 Chicago Generation Y Employers.” The bank was also listed on Chicago Tribune’s 2011 “Top 100 Workplaces.” Additionally, J.D. Power and Associates ranked First Midwest “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Midwest,” (www.firstmidwest.com). With this slew of credentials, it’s understandable why over 30% of the company’s workforce is composed of Generation Y employees.

On the First Midwest website, the bank lists its values as commitment, character, client focus, and community. All of these points are of interest to Gen Y, aligning with the career goals and work expectations of young workers. First Midwest maintains a friendly and professional atmosphere at its headquarters office, located in just outside of Chicago in Itasca. The employees there embody a family-oriented and down-to-earth atmosphere, welcoming new Gen Y talent. Senior level employees have helped cultivate a strong mentoring and coaching culture, offering support and help to junior level staffers whenever they can.

In addition to being a nurturing office, First Midwest is an extremely flexible company for which to work. Employees can enjoy the option to work remotely, thanks to their company laptops and cell phones provided. If it is a matter of when you work, not where, First Midwest has that covered. The company offers flexible work hours, allowing for a work life balance that is actually balanced. In addition to rewarding its employees with flexibility, First Midwest also offers a great deal of leadership opportunities and helping junior level employees realize their potential through internal promotions and hiring from within. Gen Y talent is always looking for approval and positive reinforcement for their hard work, so this is a perfect way to keep young workers engaged and growing with the company. 

First Midwest also rewards its employees handsomely with competitive benefits and other incentives. For starters, they have a generous vacation policy of three weeks paid vacation. The company also promotes a healthy lifestyle through a benefits package that includes a flex spending account, 401K matches, and tuition reimbursement.  With perks like these, it’s easy to see why Gen Y workers continue to align themselves with this company, sticking around for an average of over three years.