COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2004--South Carolina
Bank and Trust was recently presented with a Best Practices Honor from
the American Psychological Association for its positive changes in
employee retention and satisfaction. The APA recognized 10 companies
from across the country who they believe demonstrate commitment and
innovation in fostering a psychologically healthy workplace.
SCBT was recognized for their "Employee Expectations Survey,"
which is an ongoing, non-threatening and anonymous way for employees
to voice concerns and desires about their workplace. In addition to
soliciting feedback about a variety of workplace policies and
practices, the survey addresses topics such as awareness of
performance expectations, access to adequate resources, frequency of
recognition and feedback, and opportunities for growth and
development.
"Our company philosophy is based on the Gallup 12, which we
include in our annual Employee Expectations Survey," said C. John
Hipp, III, CEO, South Carolina Bank and Trust. "These are the 12 items
that consistently differentiate high-performing work groups from
average and poor-performing work groups. Our employees are our
greatest asset and we work hard to ensure a pleasing work environment.
We are grateful to be recognized on the national level for what we are
doing."
SCBT's program results have spurred a wealth of positive changes
for employees, such as new stock purchase and award plans, improved
employee recognition programs, an updated employee handbook and
changes to employee benefits packages. Senior managers have also been
happy with the results. Employee turnover has decreased from 26% to
12.1% while employee satisfaction has increased.
"This program has had a very positive impact on our employee
satisfaction. National statistics show that average bank employee
turnover exceeds 30%, which is much higher than our rate of 12.1%.
During this time, our employee satisfaction has continued to
increase," said Leslie Dunn, senior vice president, human resources,
SCBT.
"The management and employees of SCBT are to be commended for this
outstanding national award and for their innovative programs. SCBT is
truly a leader in South Carolina," said Lloyd Hendricks, president and
CEO, SC Bankers Association. "
"In this era of skyrocketing healthcare costs, corporate scandals,
and increasing workplace pressures, many organizations are struggling
to stem the forces that are whittling away at their employees' morale,
productivity and health," says Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., APA's
executive director for professional practice. "Developing programs
ranging from professional and personal growth seminars to employee
involvement initiatives, these Best Practices Honorees are setting an
example by creating strong, vibrant organizational cultures that
contribute to both employee health and well-being and the company's
bottom line."
The Best Practices Honors is a national program developed by APA
that recognizes companies for innovative programs and policies that
stand out for fostering a psychologically healthy workplace. Nominees
for this national award were selected from a pool of more than 180
state-level Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award winners and
submitted for consideration by the psychological association of the
state or province in which the company is located. This year, the APA
recognized 10 companies at the Institute for Health and Productivity
Management (IHPM) conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
"By developing innovative programs, this year's honorees are doing
more than simply improving their own workplaces. The programs are
setting a strong example for other companies about how focusing on
employee health and well-being can drive organizational performance,"
said Sean Sullivan of the Institute for Health and Productivity
Management.
Studies show that among other benefits, psychologically healthy
workplace practices can increase job retention and satisfaction as
well as reduce stress. The American Institute of Stress estimates that
workplace stress costs U.S. industry $300 billon per year in
absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and direct medical,
legal, and insurance fees. According to a 2004 poll by the American
Psychological Association, two-thirds of men and women say work has a
significant impact on their stress level, and as a result one in four
has called in sick or taken a "mental health day."
For more information about the Psychologically Healthy Workplace
Awards, Best Practices Honors, and APA's publication highlighting
South Carolina Bank and Trust and the other 2004 honorees visit
http://www.apapractice.org/apo/psychologically_healthy.html
South Carolina Bank and Trust, the 4th largest bank headquartered
in South Carolina, is a subsidiary of SCBT Financial Corporation
(NASDAQ: SCBT). Serving the needs of South Carolinians for over 70
years, SCBT Financial Corporation operates 33 financial centers in 12
South Carolina counties and has assets exceeding $1.3 billion. More
information can be located at www.SCBandT.com.
The American Psychological Association (APA), located in
Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional
organization representing psychology in the United States and is the
world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership
includes more than 155,000 researchers, educators, clinicians,
consultants and students. Through its 55 divisions and its
affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial
associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science and
profession, and as a means of promoting health, education, and human
welfare.
CONTACT: South Carolina Bank and TrustDonna Pullen, 803-608-5860
or
American Psychological Association
Peter Wilson, 202-336-5910
pwilson@apa.org
SOURCE: South Carolina Bank and Trust