Associated Banc-Corp Reviews

Pros

Associated Bank is well positioned to deliver on their promises to customers and that shines through in employee attitudes.

Cons

Like many retail banking units, Associated has expanded some of it's branches working hours. Six o'clock is great for customers, but not as much for bank employees used to heading home an hour earlier.

Pros

Great at information sharing and really good benefits

Cons

Poor leadership and decision making. Subjective approach to promoting, by that I mean that an underperforming manager or employee can advance if they are liked by a person in a higher position. But a true performer may not get that promotion.

Advice to Senior Management

Be objective and fair. put the right people into leadership roles that are not a "favorite" of a district or regional manager. More support needs to be given to branches and more positive feedback. Focusing on what we are doing wrong instead of what we are doing right.

Pros

Money is OK. Comraderie is good

Cons

Not cutting edge in product development, conservative lending practices

Advice to Senior Management

Most complaints relieved as new management took over in the past 2 years.

Pros

Second to none benefits package and management does a great job showing appreciation to employees. Associated is really trying to improve service to customers and profitability by cutting some fat and trying to become more efficient.

Cons

Salary could be higher for middle-tier positions. Certain technology resources seem to be limited and behind the times. Seems everything has to be approved and therefore a few things take a long time to get done.

Advice to Senior Management

Give higher raises to employees that deserve them. Invest much more in technology that will improve business efficiency. Try not to be so "by the book" on everything.

Pros

Great training
Great people
CEO Phil Flynn has it together

Cons

Felt I could have been compensated better. I didnt realize bank tellers made such little money.

Advice to Senior Management

A professional, positive attitude is always appreciated.

Pros

Lots of changes going on, but in the end, will be a much stronger company. Slowly investing in talent and systems. Cares about their colleagues and much opportunity for development and advancement.

Cons

Still a lot of talent that could be upgraded. Select departments not as engaged as others as some middle-management has not gotten on board with the new management.

Advice to Senior Management

Proud of the work you're doing. Keep it up.

Pros

Your opinions and thoughts are always given consideration. You work with a team of experts who are always available to give you additional training and encouragement. Resources are at the tip of your fingers. The opportunity to grow is tremendous. Direct supervisors and upper level managers are inspirational and knowledgeable. The employees at Associated Bank are a family you have outside your own home.

Cons

Your relationship with your immediate manager really determines if you will be able to grow. All advancement and training courses you are interested in will have to be approved in advance by him or her. By building a strong relationship with your upper management team you will grow quickly. If your relationship with your manager is weak, you will not advance and if so it will be done slowly.

Advice to Senior Management

The leadership at Associated Bank is great. The managers are inspirational. They listen and react immediately. One on one coaching is done daily, weekly at a minimum. Promises made from managers are kept. Associated Bank is company I’m proud to be a part of.

Pros

Less of those bank horror stories.
Tellers have an easy job, made even better by implementing scanners at each window. (Scan check, print receipt, you're done).
Cookies on Fridays.
Most coworkers are great.

Cons

No longer offering direct deposit to non-Associated Bank accounts :(.
Closed sales are seemingly impossible (right now we have 30 referrals, none of which have closed).
Too many e-mails!
Turnover seems to be a problem, particularly at my branch.
"Check-ins" or "chats." A 1 on 1 weekly meeting with your manager on how your doing. Also, teller huddles with a banker, which may happen up to 5 days a week. Performance reviews monthly, observations weekly, I think you get the point here. It may just be my branch, but I feel completely suffocated by these things, and I get very tired of seeing my manager's face by the end of the week.

Advice to Senior Management

My particular manager shouldn't be working there, period. It is very difficult to continue (much less enjoy) my job with someone leading the way my manager does.
Aside from that, bringing back direct deposit would be a step in the right direction.

Pros

Big company - lots of growth oportunities and somewhat good benefits package.

Cons

Disconnect among departments and poor communication

Advice to Senior Management

Act upon feedback, don't just ask for it.

Pros

The bank has changed so much in the past few years, and all for the better. Growth and opportunity are ripe for the taking if you work hard and are not afraid of change and hard work.

Cons

As for cons, I would say that people who cannot handle change and cannot work in cross function teams do not belong in this company.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep doing what you are doing, senior management. It is so refreshing to come to work and feel like one is making a difference.