In what can be said to be uncommon in the Nigerian banking industry, Sterling Bank Plc., has adjusted its working conditions to promote work-life balance among its staff.
This adjustment which was effected through new policies introduced by the financial institution: Flexi-time and Flexi-place, allows workers to determine their own working hours by choosing a convenient time to come to work within the options provided by the bank and gives staff the opportunity to choose a convenient location that is closer to their places of residence from where they could discharge their job functions.
The initiative which complies with global best HR practices was according to the lender, currently being piloted in the bank’s corporate head office aimed at introducing flexibility in work arrangements for the Bank’s staff.
According to the Bank’s Executive Director, Strategy & Finance, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, the initiative would enhance productivity of staff, promote bonding among family members, reduce the stress of waking very early and spending long hours in traffic to get to the office early, improve the well-being of staff and ultimately promote work life balance among staff.
To ensure the effectiveness of the initiative which could be said to be a relief to the yearnings of workers, Abubakar noted that appropriate structures and resources had been put in place, adding that each team during the pilot phase, had a succession plan with back-ups knowledgeable on other duties and available at crucial periods.
