Best Places to Work 2024: Southern Bancorp

Little Rock | Employees: 546 | Industry: Banking

Leaders at Southern Bancorp say the company fosters a supportive culture where employees feel empowered to grow and contribute to their communities. Committed to its mission of serving underserved areas, Southern Bancorp offers a benefits package that includes a 6% match retirement plan, employee stock ownership, no-deductible medical insurance and discounted home loans for employees.

The company hosts engaging events like Rendezvous, a companywide celebration, and the Summer Step Challenge, encouraging healthy competition. Recognition programs such as RAISE Awards and Community Core highlight employees’ achievements and volunteer work, rewarding them with points for company store merchandise and additional paid-time off. Southern Bancorp also emphasizes diversity through innovative recruitment strategies and career development programs like Lender U, which aims to increase representation in lending roles. Employees benefit from the New Directions Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement and flexible work policies. Focused on empowering staff and supporting low- to moderate-income communities, Southern Bancorp continues toward its motto of being “wealth builders for everyone.”