ConnectOne Bank was built on the premise that putting people first is a better way to do business. Founded in 2005 by Frank Sorrentino III, a third-generation home builder, the bank’s entrepreneurial spirit and people-first culture grew the bank across New Jersey, into New York, and most recently South Florida in just under 20 years.
Since our founding, ConnectOne has been heavily invested in our culture and employee experience, and, as a growth company, growing our talent is always top of mind for the executive team.
In the past few years, we’ve experienced significant shifts in how we run our institutions, the way our clients do business, and how our workforce operates. The 2020 pandemic set off a series of changes in our businesses. In the same way we evolved our engagement with our clients, we evolved our talent-centric environment and maintained our commitment to our culture, ensuring our employees feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional services and solutions to the clients they serve. Ultimately, we knew that as we looked to build ConnectOne Bank for the future, it was just as crucial to make the same investments in our people.
Over the past few years, the bank has made strides to build an exceptional and hybrid workplace culture that maintains the same people-first values the bank was founded on, while continuing to modernize and invest in digital innovation.
Beginning from a team member’s first day, employees are immersed in an onboarding experience that emphasizes the company’s culture and mission. ConnectOne Bank’s goal is to ensure employees understand both the way the bank operates, rules of engagement, and how the client base is served, operational intricacies, and the client base they serve. A distinctive aspect of this approach is having the Human Resources function report directly to our Chief Culture, Experience & DEI Officer. This alignment places company culture at the heart of all HR initiatives, ensuring scalability and efficiency as the bank grows. This strategy has strengthened operations, streamlined processes, and fostered a more culture-centric environment.
As ConnectOne Bank is committed to investing in its people, it understands that this goes beyond their current capabilities. The bank focuses on developing managerial skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities through its Learning & Development team. By honing in on individual interests and goals, ConnectOne Bank creates an environment where team members feel valued and can pursue their professional passions.
Through a suite of progressive talent development programs, ConnectOne Bank ensures that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet both immediate and future challenges. This commitment to continuous learning and professional development underscores the bank’s belief in the potential of its people and their critical role in ongoing success.
Another important part of ConnectOne Bank’s strategy is the use of the Predictive Index, a tool that enhances understanding of team dynamics and individual strengths. This tool facilitates optimal role alignment, fostering an environment where collaboration and efficiency are integral to daily operations. By leaning into team strengths, ConnectOne Bank ensures cohesive, engaged, and empowered teams, contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace environment. The insights from the Predictive Index also support the recruiting function, helping to create well-rounded teams by filling gaps in abilities or traits. The past few years have taught us that the banking industry is resilient and continues to evolve and adapt with changes in the environment and economy. By embracing a people-first culture, ConnectOne Bank has been able to evolve and modernize in order to equip our talent for the future, despite what comes. We’ve learned that change is unpredictable, but investing in our talent’s ability to lead and adapt allows our team to navigate change while maintaining the foundations that served us when the bank was founded.
