The Psychologically Healthy Workplace 

American Savings Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in Hawaii with branches statewide, a workforce of more than 1,100 people and an 85 year history of strong connection to the Hawaii community.

Communication strengthens the company’s mission and vision. Through regular on-site visits by senior managers, employees are provided with an opportunity to voice their feelings about the workplace, and learn that ASB really is about "less rules and more trust".

The company holds monthly, quarterly and annual awards for employee recognition along with service anniversary awards. There are daily spot bonuses, congratulatory e-mail messages, prize gift cards, quarterly incentives, trips to the outer islands, Las Vegas trips, t-shirts, I-Pods and this year even the grand prize of an ecologically-friendly car.

In the last three years, the company saw the implementation of several significant corporate changes. For example, to support employees in tough economic times, they switched from a twice monthly pay plan to paying employees weekly. Workers can participate in flexible time schedules, flexible spending accounts for dependant care, a free bus pass program, and subsidized gym memberships.

The Financial Planning Group now offers financial planning services to employees at no cost as well.

Employees have the opportunity to participate in an annual Health assessment and have access to an after-hours fitness trainer. To encourage increased employee participation in the Wellness program, attendance prizes are offered. Incentives have resulted in skyrocketing participation levels from 70 to 700 employees.

There are a variety of opportunities for growth and development at ASB. The "Leadership 20/20" program

blends a cross-section of the company’s workforce in a yearlong program covering sales, leadership and technical skills.

Another training program called ASB University offers a broad educational curriculum cost-free to help employees grow and develop. The program conducted a weeklong training program for employees normally offered at UC Berkeley for more than $3000.00 per registrant, cost free.

In January 2011 they will roll out a 100% tuition reimbursement program, paying for employees’ relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees.

"Bring your child to work day" highlights programs for employees to share their work life with family, and children are given t-shirts, badges and tours.

Community service resonates throughout ASB, and employees are encouraged to give 10 hours of community service yearly. Employees have contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to over 80 schools and non-profit organizations in Hawaii. As an organization, ASB allocates $725,000.00 annually for charitable giving which includes funding of grants and scholarships.

The "Careers in Banking" program sends branch managers to local classrooms around the state to teach financial literacy and to share information on banking, career opportunities, and the importance of managing money. The initiative reaches over 500 students annually.

In 2010 ASB was awarded the title of Hawaii Business Magazine’s "Best Place to Work".

Would the representatives from American Savings Bank please come forward to receive this well-deserved award? Please help me in congratulating this team!

Each year, at the close of our local competition, the Hawaii Psychological Association nominates local award winners for the national-level award competition hosted by the American Psychological Association.

This year, the committee is proud to nominate American Savings Bank for the national level competition as a psychologically healthy workplace and Tripler Army Medical Center’s Department of Psychology for the national Best Practices category.

We sincerely wish them the best of luck in this great challenge!