Justin McNeese had worked with Regions before so he immediately noticed the difference between his first and second introductions to the bank.
As he joined Regions once again in February 2023 and prepared to manage a branch in Osceola, Arkansas, he had his own personal advocate for his first 90 days.
“What brought me back to Regions was our people-first culture and the commitment to continuous improvement so we can better assist our customers,” McNeese said. “This time, there was a lot more structure in the onboarding process which took the experience to the next level.
“The learning journey that we go through has clearly defined tasks that we’re supposed to learn and complete each day, as well as partnering with a Performance Advocate to keep us on track with our learning, answer any question we have, and encourage us every step of the way.”
Justin McNeese
Performance Advocates are assigned to new bankers in each of Consumer Banking’s 10 districts – supporting their bankers and having regular video and other check-ins throughout their first three months on the job.
In addition to these contacts, McNeese and other new hires make additional connections that further build community by completing training together with other associates in learning pods.
More than 2,400 bankers at all levels have gone through the Performance Advocates program since its launch in January 2023.
Our goal is to deliver the very best onboarding experience possible so our bankers have the confidence they need to serve customers and offer the full value of a Regions banking relationship. Brandy Werner, Performance Advocate program manager
As expected, the program has not only increased the percentage of new hires who complete their training on time but boosted engagement with Regions as measured by an annual associate engagement survey administered by Gallup.
These new associates, 54% of whom come to Regions without banking experience, report higher scores than previous onboarding classes for overall satisfaction, knowing Consumer’s expectations, having the materials needed, and having the opportunity to do their best work and shine.
“Our goal is to deliver the very best onboarding experience possible so our bankers have the confidence they need to serve customers and offer the full value of a Regions banking relationship,” said Brandy Werner, leader of the five-member Performance Advocates team.
“The better we prepare our associates, the better they’re able to support our customers and change lives.”
Werner knows this firsthand since she began her own career 18 years ago as a banker and team lead in Illinois.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our Advocates and their associates for the progress they’re making to help us build the best team, serve our customers, and operate with safety and soundness at the forefront of everything we do.”
Roshana Gossoff and Craig Rashleigh contributed to the story and accompanying video.
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