News Summary
Washington Trust has been honored as one of the ‘2025 Best Places to Work in Rhode Island’ by Providence Business News for the 15th consecutive year. The recognition highlights the bank’s commitment to investing in its employees, fostering a positive workplace culture, and offering extensive growth opportunities. Edward O. Handy III, Chairman and CEO, emphasized the bank’s dedication to employee wellness through a comprehensive benefits package. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust continues to be a leader in the finance sector, promoting a culture of respect and community engagement.
Rhode Island – Washington Trust has been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Rhode Island by Providence Business News (PBN), marking the 15th consecutive year the bank has received this accolade. The announcement was made on June 13, 2025, following a ceremony held on June 12, where local businesses and their employees gathered to celebrate workplace excellence.
Edward O. “Ned” Handy III, the Chairman and CEO of Washington Trust, expressed the bank’s pride in receiving this recognition and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to investing in its employees, fostering a positive culture, and providing numerous growth opportunities.
The Best Places to Work Awards program assesses companies on various criteria, including workplace culture, employee well-being, and overall business success. This evaluation incorporates a comprehensive review of company policies, demographics, and confidential employee surveys that gauge satisfaction, morale, benefits, and growth opportunities.
Washington Trust aims to nurture a culture characterized by respect, collaboration, and community engagement. The bank ensures its employees have access to a wide-ranging benefits package that includes health and wellness programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, the institution emphasizes flexible work-life initiatives to accommodate the diverse needs of its workforce.
The organization is dedicated to promoting holistic employee wellness through a variety of programs. These initiatives include health screenings, both virtual and in-person events, financial wellness programming, and tailored engagement opportunities which contribute to the overall well-being of its employees.
In addition to being recognized by PBN, Washington Trust has also earned the distinction of being one of Rhode Island’s healthiest employers for four consecutive years, reflecting its ongoing commitment to employee health and happiness.
Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is noted as the oldest community bank in the nation and remains the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island. The bank offers a wide range of financial services across New England, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking, and wealth management.
Washington Trust operates as a publicly-owned holding company, trading under the ticker symbol WASH on NASDAQ. The recognition from PBN aligns with a growing trend among businesses, emphasizing workplace culture as a key factor in attracting and retaining talent across various industries.
Furthermore, research from Forbes highlights the preferences of younger workers, noting what they value in their employment. As companies pivot toward enhancing workplace culture, the recognition from PBN underlines Washington Trust’s dedication to creating an engaging and supportive environment for its employees.
As companies face continuous challenges in retaining skilled talent, Washington Trust’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture through extensive employee support and development initiatives sets an example for others in the finance sector and beyond.
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
