More than a mere alliterative catch phrase, corporate culture has gained momentum in recent years as companies continue to search not only for positive branding mechanisms but also for avenues to attract and retain talented employees, and drive performance.

Direct Federal Credit Union looked to innovative companies across all industries to find key insight in keeping employees engaged, happy and motivated to ultimately produce a positive bottom line. From free meals to onsite physicians and a whole lot in between, impactful culture models are designed to promote a sense of well-being, a desire to achieve and have fun in the workplace. It's no wonder that many of the companies reviewed routinely rank among the best places to work.

Of course, not all companies can invest in gyms, swimming pools and subsidized massages. That said, Direct recognizes that engaged and rewarded employees make for productive and loyal employees. This journey to the Direct brand of corporate culture began three years ago when Joe Walsh, the former SVP of lending, was named president. Joe expressed his determination to make people the priority right from the start, immediately changing the reporting structure of the credit union so the human resources department reported directly to him. This allowed him to have first-hand insight into all employees of the credit union and actively partake in his mission to make Direct the best place to work.