Washington Trust named one of Rhode Island’s best places to work for 16th year in a row
junio 18, 2026
Record-holder for most consecutive wins by a bank in the award program’s history
WESTERLY, R.I. — The Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust) today announced that it has once again been named one of Rhode Island’s Best Places to Work by Providence Business News, marking its 16th year in a row earning the honor—the most consecutive wins of any bank in the 21-year history of the award program.
“Sixteen consecutive years of being named a Best Place to Work reflects the strength of the culture at Washington Trust,” said Washington Trust Chairman and CEO Ned Handy. “Our team supports one another, takes pride in serving our customers and communities, and builds careers that often span decades. There is a strong sense of connection—to each other, to the work, and to a 225-year legacy that employees are proud to be part of and committed to carrying forward.”
The Best Places to Work in Rhode Island program is produced by Best Companies Group in partnership with Providence Business News. Companies are evaluated through a rigorous two-part process: a comprehensive review of workplace policies, practices, benefits, and demographics, followed by a confidential employee survey that measures overall satisfaction with work environment, morale, and opportunities for growth.
Washington Trust has been competing in the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island program since 2011 and has earned the award every year since then — a streak unmatched by any other bank or credit union in Rhode Island.
Washington Trust attributes its enduring recognition to a workplace culture grounded in the core values of Quality, Integrity, and Community. The Bank fosters a collaborative environment where employees across all business lines work toward shared goals and where leadership is known for transparency, accessibility, and a genuine investment in the people who make the organization run.
Employees are encouraged to develop to their fullest potential and build long term careers with the company. The Bank offers formal training programs, one-on-one coaching, and career development opportunities designed to help team members advance professionally. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) — voluntary, employee-led associations — foster a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with the Bank's mission, values, and business practices.
Washington Trust offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their financial, physical, and personal well-being. Benefits include robust health and wellness programs, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible work-life initiatives, and financial wellness programming. The Bank also provides virtual and in-person team-building events, rewards and reimbursement incentives, and employee engagement opportunities tailored to diverse interests.
As one employee reflected on the Bank’s Life at Washington Trust web page, "When you know your employer cares about you as an individual, it makes you want to do more for the company and help it succeed. Washington Trust is a special and unique place — you don't find many companies like it."
ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST®
Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. In 2025, Washington Trust reached a milestone of 225 years in operation, marking its commitment to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. Washington Trust is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned holding company which trades on NASDAQ: WASH. For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.washtrust.com or the Corporation's website at ir.washtrust.com.