India’s banking sector is growing exponentially to meet the country’s economic demands. From using pen and paper to introducing revolutionary technology, banking has come a long way in elevating the customer experience. This transition has upskilled employees but also increased their work pressure. Bankers now spend long and often stressful hours multitasking between digital screens on one side of their desks, while also sitting across the table with customers who visit the branch physically for assistance.
According to findings from the latest survey across 250 bankers by Interio by Godrej’s Workplace and Ergonomic Research Cell, both public and private sector banks need to focus on creating environments conducive to employee wellbeing. Our survey explored how bank employees work and handle pressure, the infrastructure and the 360-degree environment they work in, as well as the occupational hazards they face.
Employee wellbeing in the banking sector:
Various studies show that job seekers are drawn to employers who prioritize their well-being. Reflecting the same sentiment, businesses are also actively adopting holistic initiatives for employees. Yet, even among the few banks that do invest in wellness initiatives, the following essential aspects are often missed:
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Ergonomic infrastructure supporting the nature of jobs in banking
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Rejuvenating spaces to unwind between multitasking
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Correct furniture layout enabling free movement
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Awareness programs to encourage employees to take charge of their own physical health and wellbeing
A sedentary lifestyle coupled with not paying attention to the above factors can translate into workplace stress and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in employees.
A healthy economy needs a healthy banking system:
Organizations must raise awareness about various aspects of well-being by engaging with employees regularly through training, communication, camps, and group activities. Banks need to reinforce preventive measures like taking postural breaks, accessorizing gadgets appropriately, and being aware of the right sitting posture while working. Employers must help teams brace against the potentially limiting repercussions of bad ergonomics. They must lead by example and foster a healthy working environment while focusing on supporting employee wellbeing, productivity, and growth.
To know more about wellbeing at work in the banking sector, download the complete whitepaper.
From Interio by Godrej