The Engagement Edge: First Financial Links Culture to Financial Success

CINCINNATI, OH – March 04, 2026 – For the second consecutive year, First Financial Bank (Nasdaq: FFBC) has secured a coveted spot on a highly exclusive list, earning the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. This distinction, granted to only a select few organizations worldwide, reaffirms the Cincinnati-based bank's sustained commitment to creating a culture that prioritizes its people—a strategy that appears to be paying significant dividends well beyond employee satisfaction.

While many companies tout a 'people-first' approach, First Financial's back-to-back wins provide quantifiable validation. The award is not merely symbolic; it is the culmination of rigorous data analysis based on Gallup's renowned employee engagement surveys. For a financial institution with roots stretching back to 1863, this modern accolade suggests a dynamic ability to evolve and thrive by investing in its most critical asset: its workforce.

Anatomy of an Exceptional Workplace

The Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award is the pinnacle of recognition for organizational culture, bestowed upon just four percent of Gallup's global client base. Winners are identified as having the most engaged workplace cultures in the world, demonstrating a rare ability to weave employee development into the very fabric of their operations.

First Financial was honored in two distinct and crucial categories: engagement and strengths development. The engagement recognition highlights how the bank fosters involvement and enthusiasm at every stage of an employee's career. The strengths award points to a culture that actively identifies and leverages the unique talents of its leaders, managers, and employees in their daily work.

"We are proud to be recognized again by Gallup for our positive workplace environment," said Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial, in a statement. "We make it a priority to create a workplace where associates can develop personally and professionally, which leads to higher engagement and job satisfaction and exceptional customer care."

Gallup's own findings corroborate this, noting that First Financial is building a "thriving, high-performance culture" where employees feel valued, heard, and properly equipped to excel in the continually evolving banking industry. This level of engagement is a powerful driver, with Gallup's research showing that companies in the top quartile for engagement see, on average, 23% higher profitability and 10% higher customer loyalty than their peers.

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

First Financial's cultural achievements are not happening in a vacuum; they are mirrored by a period of robust financial performance. In 2025, the bank reported a record year, with adjusted net income climbing to $281.1 million, a 21.7% increase from the previous year. Throughout 2025, the company consistently surpassed analyst expectations for revenue and earnings per share.

The bank’s fourth-quarter results for 2025 were particularly strong, driven by a resilient net interest margin that beat estimates and diligent management of costs. This financial success lends significant weight to the argument that a deeply engaged workforce is a powerful competitive advantage. When employees are invested in their work and feel supported by their employer, the result is often higher productivity, better problem-solving, and a more profound commitment to customer service—all of which directly impact the bottom line.

This correlation is a cornerstone of Gallup's philosophy. Organizations with award-winning engagement have, on average, 14 engaged employees for every one actively disengaged employee—a ratio that is eight times the U.S. average. In a competitive sector like banking, where customer relationships and trust are paramount, having a highly motivated and stable workforce can be the deciding factor between stagnation and growth.

Beyond the Paycheck: A Blueprint for Talent

The Gallup award is a reflection of concrete programs and a deeply embedded philosophy at First Financial. The company actively cultivates its "f1RST culture impact" through a variety of initiatives aimed at holistic employee well-being, professional growth, and inclusion.

Beyond competitive salaries, the bank offers comprehensive benefits and wellness programs that address physical, financial, and social well-being. A key component of its strategy is a commitment to continuous development. Employees have access to in-depth, ongoing training programs and a tuition reimbursement benefit, empowering them to build new skills and advance their careers within the organization. This focus on internal growth is further exemplified by dedicated college recruitment programs and a Commercial Lending Program designed to cultivate the next generation of banking leaders.

While no organization with over 130 locations across four states is without its operational challenges, First Financial's strategic investment in these programs demonstrates a clear, top-down commitment to building a workplace that attracts and, more importantly, retains top talent in a demanding industry.

From Engaged Employees to Empowered Communities

The impact of First Financial's internal culture ripples outward into the communities it serves across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. The bank’s commitment to its employees appears to fuel a parallel commitment to civic responsibility. This was recognized in 2025 when the bank received its second consecutive 'Outstanding' rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act.

This community engagement is powered by its workforce. From January 2020 to the end of 2024, bank employees volunteered over 43,000 hours with service partners like Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The company's 9th Annual Day of Service in 2024 alone saw nearly 1,000 employees supporting 100 different organizations.

This synergy between a valued workforce and vibrant community involvement creates a virtuous cycle. Engaged employees become passionate ambassadors for the bank in their local towns and cities, strengthening customer relationships and reinforcing the brand's image as a true community partner. For First Financial Bank, the evidence suggests that building an exceptional workplace is not just good for business—it is fundamental to its entire mission.