DCU employees can earn 10-percent bonuses

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By John A. Lahtinen

Operating on three guiding principles – “Do the Right Thing,” “People Come First” and “Make a Difference” – Marlborough-based Digital Federal Credit Union takes great pride in treating its employees with the same care and attention it shows its customers.

“DCU works to support its guiding principles through the benefits and rewards we offer,” said Jane Fontaine, vice president of human resources and training. “We understand the importance of offering programs that ensure our employees are able to do their best every day.”

Chartered in 1979, DCU has been the credit union for more than 900 companies and organizations and serves more than 500,000 members and their families in all 50 states. With 21 branches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, DCU recently opened a branch in Lexington and will soon open a third in Worcester.

In addition to medical and dental plans, flu shots for employees and their families, tuition reimbursement, and cafeterias offering healthy eating options, DCU also provides on-site fitness centers that offer free personal trainers; aerobics; yoga; nutritional counseling; Zumba; strength training; and daily fitness, nutrition and motivational tips via a company intranet site.

Fontaine said that when DCU reviews its annual benefits program, the company looks at its employee population and its needs, always seeking to answer the question, “How can we help our people meet their needs?”

“We provide convenience with drop-off dry cleaning services and the ability to purchase stamps and gift cards on site,” Fontaine said. “While on the surface these benefits may not seem innovative, DCU continually monitors the demographics and needs of its people to offer the most comprehensive program.”

DCU offers its employees spot awards for great service as well as an annual success-sharing program.

“We are very proud of our companywide success sharing program in which every employee has the ability to work toward organizationwide goals with the potential of earning an annual bonus of up to 10 percent of their salary,” Fontaine said. “DCU believes every employee should have the opportunity to share in the success of the organization.”

Every year, DCU gives all employees the opportunity to submit their ideas for new innovative products, services or process improvements. Selected ideas receive a monetary award.

“There truly are many great benefits and fantastic employee programs DCU offers,” said Laurie LaChapelle, vice president of finance. “Every month, there are activities for employees to participate in, from an ice cream truck event to an inflatable obstacle course. There are also daily giveaways for employees. On top of it all, there is a competitive bonus and very competitive benefits.”

For Fontaine, it all comes back to those three guiding principles.

“By reinforcing with staff the importance of demonstrating these principles each day, we are able to continue to be successful,” she said.