The Royal Bank of Scotland has boosted staff morale at recently acquired
National Westminster Bank, according to an annual staff survey.
Neil Roden, RBS group HR director, said the survey shows that efforts to
improve staff satisfaction in the aftermath of the takeover have proved
effective.
The survey reveals 58 per cent are satisfied in their jobs, up from 44 per
cent the previous year – higher than the national average for financial
services of 48 per cent.
Roden believes one of the reasons for a rise in morale is an improved
benefits package and incentive scheme, which the 30,000 NatWest staff have
access to. All RBS staff are included in the firm’s bonus plan and have an
option to join an outsourced benefits package, which offers services from
health and life insurance, childcare, and car and computer deals.
Roden said HR had played a key role in ensuring all staff were kept informed
about developments during and after the takeover process. The company uses
video briefings to inform staff about announcements, such as its financial
results.
Across the company, 75 per cent of its 105,000 employees completed the
survey compared to a take-up rate at NatWest before the takeover of 35 per
cent. "In two years we have doubled the amount of NatWest staff responding
to the survey," he said
"The results are very positive, I didn’t expect it [NatWest] to
turnaround so easily." Roden said the group outperforms other UK companies
in its sector and is looking to benchmark itself against the best worldwide.
By Quentin Reade
