Alliant's Winning Streak: Crafting a Top Workplace in a Digital World

CHICAGO, IL – January 06, 2026 – For the sixth consecutive year, Alliant Credit Union has secured a coveted spot on Built In's list of Best Midsize Places to Work in Chicago. This consistent recognition moves beyond a simple corporate accolade, offering a case study in how a fully digital financial institution can cultivate an enduring, people-first culture in an industry undergoing radical transformation.

As companies nationwide grapple with the new dynamics of remote work, talent retention, and employee expectations, Alliant's sustained success points to a deliberate and deeply embedded strategy. The award, granted by the tech industry platform Built In, is not based on nominations but on an algorithm that weighs company data on compensation, benefits, and cultural programs. This data-driven approach suggests that Alliant’s high ranking is a reflection of tangible investments in its workforce.

The Anatomy of a Six-Time Winner

Achieving this distinction once is an accomplishment; securing it for six straight years indicates a culture that is both resilient and continuously evolving. According to Built In, its methodology gives equal weight to compensation and benefits, a framework that rewards companies for concrete offerings rather than just perceived atmosphere. Alliant's consistent performance suggests a robust foundation in these areas.

"Being named one of Built In's Best Midsize Places to Work in Chicago is an incredible honor that speaks to the culture we've built together," said Diane Hughes, Alliant's Chief HR Officer, in a statement. "This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and every colleague feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact."

This philosophy appears to resonate with employees. A 2021 study by Great Place To Work found that 79% of Alliant employees consider it a great place to work, significantly higher than the 57% average at a typical U.S.-based company. The same study highlighted that 93% of employees feel welcomed when they join, 86% believe management is honest and ethical, and 85% are proud to tell others they work there. However, data from other platforms like Comparably suggests a more nuanced picture, with employees rating their team and leadership highly but flagging the onboarding experience as an area for improvement, a common challenge in remote-first environments.

Digital First, People Always

At the core of Alliant’s strategy is its identity as one of the nation's largest fully digital credit unions, serving over 900,000 members with $20 billion in assets without a traditional branch network. This digital-native structure has become a powerful enabler for its workplace policies, particularly in an era where flexibility is paramount. While many financial institutions were forced into a reactive shift to remote work during the pandemic, Alliant was already positioned to lead.

The credit union offers a hybrid work model with flexible start and end times. Employees benefit from generous paid time off, which starts at 21 days and can increase to 31 days based on tenure, supplemented by paid bank holidays and volunteer time. This commitment extends to significant life events, with paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks for primary caregivers. These policies are not just perks but strategic tools for attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market where, according to industry surveys, over 75% of financial services employees would consider seeking a new job if flexibility is not offered.

Alliant's approach stands out in a sector that has historically been slow to embrace remote work. While the industry average for remote work has increased dramatically post-pandemic, Alliant's established digital infrastructure provides a seamless foundation for collaboration and productivity, leveraging tools that support strong connections across distributed teams.

The Growing Currency of Workplace Awards

In today's talent market, third-party validation has become more critical than ever. As job seekers increasingly turn to sophisticated online tools to vet potential employers, awards like those from Built In serve as a powerful signal of a company's investment in its people.

Maria Christopoulos Katris, founder and CEO of Built In, highlighted this modern reality. "Today's candidates discover the companies they want to work for using AI tools," she explained. "Earning a Best Place to Work award not only signals to candidates that you invest in your people, it's a lever to strengthen how AI search tools understand and represent your company's story."

This digital-first approach to reputation management is particularly crucial for a digital-first institution like Alliant. The award helps differentiate it from both traditional banks and a growing field of fintech competitors. By consistently ranking high on data-backed lists, the credit union builds a compelling employer brand that can cut through the noise and attract candidates who are a strong cultural fit.

Setting the Standard in Financial Services

While Alliant is not the only credit union earning accolades for its workplace environment, its six-year streak and its scale place it in an elite category. Many top-rated credit unions focus on similar themes: employee well-being, community involvement, and professional development. Where Alliant appears to differentiate itself is in the deep integration of its digital operating model with its people-centric culture.

The organization's benefits package is comprehensive and competitive. Beyond flexible schedules and generous leave, Alliant provides tuition reimbursement, a 401(k) with a company match, and a robust wellness program that includes a gym allowance and free access to mental health apps like Calm. These offerings demonstrate a holistic view of employee well-being that extends beyond the immediate work environment.

By investing heavily in flexibility, transparency, and development, Alliant has created a blueprint for how financial institutions can thrive in the modern era. It showcases that a commitment to digital innovation and a commitment to employee satisfaction are not mutually exclusive but can be mutually reinforcing, creating a virtuous cycle that drives both business growth and a positive, engaging workplace. This sustained focus on culture proves to be a significant competitive advantage, solidifying its reputation not just as a financial leader but as a premier employer in the Chicago tech and finance landscape.