Hrvatska poštanska banka got the “Excellence During Challenges” recognition for quality human resource management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognition is awarded by the leading Croatian consulting company to the companies that are recognized for good HR practices and care for their employees.

As the holder of this recognition, HPB went through the process of independent evaluation of its HR practices where the company’s agility and adaptability, organisation of work in times of crisis, communication with employees, initiatives launched to ensure employee health and well-being and the company’s readiness for new ways of working were assessed.

In newly emerging circumstances HPB primarily focused on ensuring the conditions for the health and safety of the Bank’s employees through various internal initiatives. A survey was conducted in which employees had the opportunity to express their views on work during the COVID-19 pandemic and make suggestions for improvements. Based on the results of the survey, measures were implemented that made it even easier for employees to work in the current circumstances, increase productivity and improve their sense of well-being. In addition, new types of support were introduced and psychosocial support workshops were organized for employees from earthquake-affected areas and they were provided with financial aid for repairing damage to the facilities in which they live.

At the very beginning of the pandemic, the team was established at HPB to manage the situation involving the Coronavirus, all employees were provided with required protective equipment to preserve health in the workplace, and a lot of them, especially risk groups, were quickly enabled to work from home. Significant attention was given to the systematic and timely communication with the employees and the focus was placed on the well-being and sense of security; the guidelines were produced for acting in emergency situations and the employees were regularly informed on all actual measures for the purpose of health protection.

Despite challenging conditions, during 2020 at HPB were implemented the performance management and onboarding processes that enabled even better employee development. Because of prompt and successful adaptation to new conditions of work and life, high productivity of the Bank’s employees was preserved, and their prominent resourcefulness and flexibility were demonstrated in changed circumstances.

“Last year was challenging for everyone, including our bank. The role of management and the HR department was to support our employees as much as possible in order for them to be safe and healthy and do their job successfully. All our initiatives are focused on the well-being of the employees, and we see the results also in the strengthening of team spirit, business successes, satisfaction of customers and participation of our people in social activities such as volunteering, and we are extremely proud of that.” said Ms Ana Đidara, director of Human Resources Management Office.

This recognition is additional incentive to HPB to invest even stronger in the improvement of practices and processes of human resource management, continue to take care of safety, motivation and development of employees and launch initiatives and activities for the well-being of all its stakeholders and community where it operates in the next period and challenging 2021.