Sandy Spring Bank employees are financial advocates for our clients, delivering the best possible solutions to meet their needs. They are the heart of our company and the key to our success. Attracting and retaining a diverse, highly-skilled workforce is critical to our long-term presence in the community. A workplace where everyone feels included, respected, and valued is what allows us to deliver a remarkable client experience.
Workforce
Demographics:
| 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
Women in the workforce |
57% | 58% |
Women in managerial roles |
47% | 52% |
People of color in workforce |
41% | 43% |
People of color in managerial roles |
27% | 27% |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
We are committed to building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all backgrounds, experiences, interests, and skills are respected, appreciated, and encouraged. We recognize that diversity in our workforce is a strength to be fostered and valued.
Celebrating diversity begins with understanding and embracing the different markets we serve. We strive for our workforce to reflect our diverse client relationships and community partnerships, so we remain committed to attracting and retaining individuals with diverse skills and experiences. Employees who bring a variety of perspectives and experiences help us to understand the needs of our clients and expand our ability to serve their needs.
In 2023, we listened and leveraged employee perspectives within the three pillars of our diversity, equity, and inclusion plan: Awareness and Engagement, Inclusive Culture, Broaden Representation. Employee-led teams for these pillars submitted over 40 initiatives, some of which were already in progress, across the organization. Work continues to advance these goals and initiatives throughout our company.
Collaborative efforts across the company helped support the annual celebrations of Black History, Women's History, Hispanic Heritage, and Juneteenth. We also hosted our first annual Women's Leadership Awards and Conference event.
DE&I
Pillars:
Inclusive Culture
GOAL: Embrace diversity and inclusivity at every level to enrich our workplace and our communities
Broaden Representation
GOAL: Promote and foster accountability for fair and equitable opportunities in a culturally diverse workplace and market
Awareness and Engagement
GOAL: Champion the development, promotion, and implementation of DEI awareness and engagement opportunities for all
PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
At Sandy Spring Bank, our goal is to create a remarkable experience for our employees who, in turn, create a remarkable experience for our clients. We encourage all employees to recognize each other for fulfilling this commitment and for living out our principles and values:
Principles
- We will be responsive in every way
- We will always take the extra step
- We will take the long view
- We will make it our own
- Whatever we do, we will always do what is right
Values
Relationships
Integrity
Teamwork
Community
Drive for Performance
Spot Awards
$300 cash incentive to recognize individual employees for extraordinary demonstration of our Principles. In 2023, 154 Spot Awards were given out for a total of $46,200.
Principle Awards
Distributed each month based on employee nominations, these awards are given to individuals who exemplify our Principles in a remarkable way for the benefit of a client or the company. In 2023, 78 Principle Awards were given.
"You're Remarkable" Cards
Everyone enjoys getting a note of thanks and appreciation, so we make it possible for employees to send "You're Remarkable" cards to colleagues who have exceeded expectations. In 2023, over 1,560 cards were sent among our employees expressing gratitude and appreciation.
2023 Women's Leadership Awards and Conference
In March 2023, Sandy Spring Bank hosted its first annual Women's Leadership Awards and Conference event, the theme of which was "Journey to Success." The virtual conference offered a keynote address, followed by eight virtual learning sessions hosted by employees on topics relevant to women navigating a successful career. There were nearly 700 registrations for the sessions, and over 500 conference participants. In addition, the Bank sponsored a Women's Leadership Awards Breakfast. Leadership awards were given to six outstanding Bank employees, recognizing their dedication to the company, to our clients, and to supporting other female colleagues.
