Celebrating What Makes Regions Great: Our Associates!
During Evergreen Week, teams throughout the company showed appreciation for each other and demonstrated why Regions is the best place to work.
By Candace Higginbotham and Lara Warren
Every September, Regions sets aside a special week to celebrate its associates. And celebrate they do. Evergreen Week is like an employee-appreciation week – on steroids. By all accounts, Evergreen 2022 was one for the record books.
From Austin to Raleigh, Miami to Indianapolis and every branch and office in between, teams dressed up in themed costumes, hosted parties and potlucks, took part in scavenger hunts, played cornhole and other games, competed in a virtual talent show and had a lot of fun together.
For example, the Bluffton Parkway team in Bluffton, South Carolina, went retro with a ‘90s theme day and the Whittlesey Boulevard team in Columbus, Georgia had some fun with Dress Like Your Boss Day (and no one got fired!). As always, there was no shortage of snacks during the week, as shown by the St. Andrews team in Panama City, Florida, who proudly displayed their hearty Evergreen spread.
In a video message to associates, President and CEO John Turner explained that “Evergreen Week is a special time at Regions. It’s an entire week devoted to celebrating you – our associates – and all our teams who work together every day to make Regions a great place to work.” Then he added, “If you’re new to Regions, you’re in for a real treat.”
He wasn’t wrong.
The theme for 2022 was Green Means Go! and a sense of excitement about the future showed in many of the activities. Raleigh North Park branch teams in Raleigh, North Carolina, decorated their offices using the theme, along with lots of Regions green. At the New Smyrna Main branch in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, associates enjoyed potluck lunches and dress-up days. The Sunset Place branch in Coral Gables, Florida, celebrated milestone work anniversaries and published daily shout-outs honoring associates’ contributions to the team.
During Evergreen week, associates were encouraged to let their individuality shine and celebrate the diversity of their teams. The Whittlesey Boulevard branch team in Columbus, Georgia, was inspired by the idea.
“One of our teammates, Mohammed Nabil, is originally from Bangladesh,” said Branch Manager David Heard. “He had the opportunity to go back earlier this year and brought back gifts for the team, traditional attire from his native country. It was really special for us to share a part of his culture and we enjoyed learning about the clothing and the customs.”
Remote and partially remote teams also joined in on the Evergreen festivities. The Human Resources Office of Associate Conduct team didn’t let distance get in the way of their fun – they enjoyed their dress-up days by video conference. One of their favorites was Minion Monday, which included the slogan, Our Team is One in a Minion!
Evergreen is all about showing appreciation for associates, but Regions teams also recognize that giving back to the community is an important part of our culture. Many associates take the opportunity to volunteer or do neighborhood clean-ups as a team.
The Lakeland Canada Road branch team in Lakeland, Tennessee, held a Paint for Hope party in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Corporate Communications volunteered as a team at the Food Bank of Central Alabama and helped assemble hundreds of boxes of food to be shared with local families in need. The Greater Gulf Coast Tallahassee teams – and many of their family members – pitched in for a similar cause at the Second Annual Hunger Fight Community Outreach Event.
The Legal team prepared and served meals as part of on-site community service, and also added a little friendly competition. The Birmingham, Alabama-based department divided themselves into two teams that went head-to-head to collect the most warm-clothing items, children’s activities, and school supplies to support Community Kitchens of Birmingham, a family in need, and a Birmingham public elementary school. More than 1,000 items were collected, and winners will enjoy a pizza party and 364 days of bragging rights!
All in all, Evergreen 2002 was a resounding success, and everyone agreed they came away re-energized and ready to serve our customers and communities.
Ready to build your career at Regions?
Associates are Regions’ most valuable resource. When they succeed, Regions succeeds. Looking for a place to chart your personal career course? Visit the careers page on regions.com to search current job listings and to learn more about working at Regions.
Bring Your Whole Self to Work
We have a passion for creating an inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sex, pregnancy, and many other primary and secondary dimensions that make each of us unique as individuals and provide valuable perspective that makes us a better company and employer. More importantly, we recognize that creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.
OFCCP Disclosure: Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
