Employment Expenses and Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Employment Expenses and Benefit Plans

Note 21 - Employment Expenses and Benefit Plans

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, Synovus provided a 100% matching contribution on the first 4% of eligible employee 401(k) contributions for a total annual contribution of $11.5 million, $10.8 million, and $9.9 million, respectively. Effective December 29, 2017, Synovus' non-contributory profit sharing plan was merged into the 401(k) plan.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, Synovus sponsored a stock purchase plan for directors and employees whereby Synovus made contributions equal to 15% of employee and director voluntary contributions, subject to certain maximum contribution limitations. The funds are used to purchase outstanding shares of Synovus common stock. Synovus recorded as expense $860 thousand, $826 thousand, and $835 thousand for contributions to these plans in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.