Houston’s longest-serving independent bank is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized as a great place to work. Central Bank was named among USA TODAY’s 2026 Top Workplaces, placing No. 8 nationwide among companies with 150 – 499 employees.
USA TODAY announced the winners at its National Awards Summit in Nashville on April 8, marking Central Bank’s third win in as many years.
A nationwide competition open to organizations with 150 employees or more, Top Workplaces recognizes companies that foster exceptional work cultures. Winners were determined by confidential surveys carried out by HR research and technology company Energage. Surveys measured employee satisfaction in areas ranging from benefits and compensation to overall support and growth opportunities, and alignment with company values, leadership and direction.
While there were approximately 850 companies in Central Bank’s size category, USA TODAY reported that a total of 2,375 organizations took part in this year’s surveys. Of those, 1,1661 earned Top Workplaces recognition.
In addition to Central Bank’s No. 8 win, the local bank received Top Workplaces’ Well-Being Award. This honor is reserved for organizations that create a healthy, productive environment by prioritizing team member health, support and work-life balance.
Although Central Bank appreciates any recognition, Top Workplaces is something special, company President and CEO Robert Mrlik said.
“As a locally owned bank, our people are the reason we’re able to do what we do,” he explained. “We rely on them to build relationships and provide friendly, knowledgeable service. To know they appreciate us as much as we do them means the world to us.”
The Well-Being Award is particularly heartening, he said, noting that leadership wants team members to view their roles as more than mere jobs.
“Our goal is for Central Bank to be a long-term career path with opportunities for personal growth and advancement,” Mrlik explained. “That’s only possible when they feel fully supported — not just in their work, but in their personal lives, as well.”
In a joint press release put out by Energage and USA TODAY, Energage CEO Eric Rubino highlighted the importance of creating an environment where team members feel heard.
“Organizations that listen to their people consistently outperform,” he said in the release. “Because Top Workplaces awards are based entirely on employee feedback, they reveal what people truly experience at work. The winning employers aren’t just talking about culture. They’re intentionally building and proving it through the voice of their people.”
Chartered 70 years ago in Houston’s Montrose district, Central Bank offers full-service business and personal banking services through four physical branches, and 24 hours a day online. For more information, visit cbhou.com.