Metro Transforms HR Division Through Revolutionary People-First Initiatives
Published on January 31, 2023
•5 min read
Metro Credit Union Transforms Human Resources Division Through Revolutionary People-First Initiatives
CHELSEA, MASS. – January 31, 2023 – Metro Credit Union, the largest state-charted credit union in Massachusetts, today announced a renewed commitment to its human resources and employee engagement initiatives with updates to its innovative Hybrid Work Program and the addition of notable senior hires within the division. These exciting changes are in response to an ever-changing economic landscape, and a commitment from Metro leaders to focus its attention on its people – the Credit Union’s largest and most important asset.
New Hybrid Work Program Creates Opportunity for Four-Day Work Week
Effective January 1, 2023, Metro employees are eligible for many different hybrid work arrangements designed to meet the needs of both individual employees and their families. In addition to flexible scheduling and the option for some employees to work remotely several days a week, Metro expanded hybrid work options to include a four-day work week. Eligible employees working under this new model will work four 10-hour days at a Metro office, allowing employees one day off per five-day work week. Exact schedules are up to the discretion of the employee’s manager.
These expanded employee work arrangements will have no impact to Metro’s hours or overall availability as the Credit Union also maintains a continued focus on member service. In 2022, Metro transformed its employment and compensation structure with the introduction of the Universal Program Model – an initiative designed to upskill Metro’s existing employee base, while simultaneously enhancing the member experience. The implementation of the Universal Program Model included development of a new role - the Universal Service Specialists (USS) who are “float” employees designated to assist in various areas of the Credit Union as needed, mastering multiple skills as part of their primary job function. The new program allows eligible employees not only to further their careers and job knowledge, but also helps to create an opportunity where a four-day work week is possible – a unique option for those in the financial services industry.
“At Metro, we always strive to provide exceptional service – whether it’s in-person at one of our branches, on the phone with our Member Service Center, or online as part of our digital banking experience,” said Robert Cashman, President & CEO. “We understand that to invest fully in our members, we must also continue to invest in our employees through ongoing career development, a positive, engaging environment, and flexible work options. Our new Hybrid Program, which includes an option for a four-day work week, was made possible by the extraordinary amount we learned during the pandemic about how to adapt to changing priorities and expectations.”
Metro is pioneering a new way of thinking in retail financial services and is proud to be at the forefront of providing creative and flexible options to meet the unique needs of the workforce.
Amy Moody Joins as Chief People Officer to Lead Human Resources Efforts
Moody joins Metro with more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources. Previously, she served as SVP People for Boston based on-demand talent marketplace, Catalant Technologies, and more recently led the People division at New York based mental healthcare startup, Real.
In her new role at Metro, Moody oversees the entire Human Resources function, responsible for all areas of employee experience, including talent acquisition, engagement, employee relations, performance, growth and development, and compensation and benefits programs. She is a member of the Senior Management Team and reports directly to President and CEO Robert Cashman.
Moody has also held senior positions at San Francisco-based venture capital firm Redpoint Ventures and educational startup, Chegg. Earlier in her career, she held Human Resources and Recruiting roles at Google, Ning, and a number of medical device and retail companies.
Moody is currently on the board of Operation Troop Support, a nonprofit supporting deployed military troops and their families, and is active in her community as a Cub Scout leader and as the Vice Regent of the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter. She also is an auxiliary member of local American Legion and VFW Posts.
Drew Didriksen Joins as Talent Acquisition Manager to Head Recruitment
Didriksen has also joined the Human Resources team as Talent Acquisition Manager, reporting directly to Moody, to support the Credit Union’s ongoing recruitment efforts. Prior to joining Metro, Didriksen spent five years as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for First Republic Bank as their first HR team member in Boston and New York City, acting as a business partner in advising recruitment best practices. Drew also spent time as Director, Banking Practice within an established professional search and staffing firm, Atlantic Group, where he developed new business and partnered with external banking clients as a strategic vendor. Didriksen is a results-driven relationship builder who collaborates with hiring teams and candidates across all levels of a financial services organization. He is also an AIRS Certified Diversity Recruiter.
“By expanding our Human Resources division to include these two exceptional hires, we are poised to support Metro’s continued growth, address industry-wide staffing challenges, and most importantly, enhance the employee experience for our existing staff members,” said Cashman. “I look forward to working closely with Amy, Drew, and the rest of the Human Resources team on these crucial initiatives and am confident that the entire organization will benefit from their contributions.”
Metro is currently hiring across the Credit Union and has multiple opportunities available on the Universal Service Specialist team. Interested candidates should visit metrocu.org/careers for a full list of openings.
About Metro Credit Union
Metro Credit Union is the largest state-chartered credit union in Massachusetts, with $3 billion in assets. Metro provides a full range of financial products to close to 200,000 members in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties in Massachusetts, and Cheshire, Hillsborough, and Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Metro is the credit union of choice for employees at over 1,200 companies through its Metro@work program.
Founded in 1926, Metro currently operates 19 branch offices in Boston, Burlington, Chelsea, Dorchester, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Peabody, Reading, Salem, Tewksbury, and West Roxbury. Metro is also a Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) designated credit union, an honor given to financial institutions for their commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers. Metro was recently named among the most charitable companies in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. Learn more at MetroCU.org and connect with us on LinkedIn.
