Responsible Management and Sustainable Operations
To effectively guide others toward long-term sustainable prosperity, we must first cultivate it within ourselves. In the area of #stronger bank, we focus on the sustainable development of technologies, reducing the environmental impact of our operations, supporting employee well-being, and respecting the interests of investors. We prioritize openness and diversity in teams, transparency in internal processes, adherence to ethical standards, and responsible risk management. We aim to achieve our own carbon neutrality by 2030 and are investing intensively in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
1. Carbon Neutrality and Energy Efficiency
We analyze our operational processes to identify areas with the highest CO2 emissions and replace them with low-emission solutions. We are gradually equipping our branches with modern energy-saving technologies, such as LED lighting and smart thermostats, and transitioning to the exclusive use of renewable energy sources.
1. Carbon Neutrality and Energy Efficiency
We analyze our operational processes to identify areas with the highest CO2 emissions and replace them with low-emission solutions. We are gradually equipping our branches with modern energy-saving technologies, such as LED lighting and smart thermostats, and transitioning to the exclusive use of renewable energy sources.
2. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity is our commitment to creating equal opportunities, fairness, and an inclusive corporate culture. We strive for a work environment where everyone can fully realize their potential, develop, and grow. We actively work with the concept of talent diversity, which we have also integrated into our educational strategy. Through Gallup CliftonStrengths diagnostics, we identify employees' strengths and support their professional development, contributing to personal satisfaction and the engagement of our people.
2. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity is our commitment to creating equal opportunities, fairness, and an inclusive corporate culture. We strive for a work environment where everyone can fully realize their potential, develop, and grow. We actively work with the concept of talent diversity, which we have also integrated into our educational strategy. Through Gallup CliftonStrengths diagnostics, we identify employees' strengths and support their professional development, contributing to personal satisfaction and the engagement of our people.
3. Responsible Investments and Ethical Standards
Our decisions and investments are made in accordance with ethical standards and principles of responsible banking. An ethical approach is fundamental to our decision-making regarding investments, financing, and the creation of products that align with the values we share with our clients and society.
At Česká spořitelna, we believe that the true strength of an organization lies in its people and their diversity. We consider diversity and inclusion to be key values upon which we build our corporate culture. As a gold signatory of the Diversity Charter, we actively advocate for promoting equality, respect, and human rights not only within the bank but also in society. In 2024, in collaboration with OPIM and the Government's Human Rights Commissioner, we initiated the Employer's Human Rights Ten Commandments, which provides a practical guide on how to uphold these principles in everyday practice.
For Česká spořitelna, this is not just a formal commitment; it is a concrete step toward creating a fair and safe work environment where every employee feels respected. We understand diversity not only as a variety of age, gender, or experience but also as working with talent diversity. Through Gallup CliftonStrengths diagnostics, we discover the unique abilities of our employees, support their development, engagement, and satisfaction. This approach helps us build a corporate culture that connects diversity with targeted individual development, strengthens collaboration within teams, and contributes to the long-term resilience and innovativeness of the bank in facing future challenges.
At Česká spořitelna, we believe that work flexibility is key to the satisfaction and productivity of our employees. That is why, in 2024, we launched the Flexi DNA project, which helps employees better balance their work and personal lives. Flexi DNA is based on three pillars: flexi profiles, understanding the bank's rules, and team agreements. Employees can choose one of three flexi profiles (light, medium, heavy) according to their needs and also utilize the option of part-time work. Team agreements then establish the rules for collaboration, effective communication, and regular meetings that strengthen team cohesion. The entire project is about mutual respect and the effort to find a balance between individual needs and team efficiency, ensuring the long-term sustainability and satisfaction of our employees.
In Česká spořitelná, we build on five values that connect us and help us grow as a team. Our #stronger values are: I collaborate; I work on myself; I believe in what I do; I like people; I act openly—are key principles that guide our daily operations. They are reflected in our active support for colleagues, willingness to learn and share our experiences, trust in our mission, respectful approach to clients and colleagues, and honest communication. We regularly revisit these values during team feedback sessions to assess how well we are living up to them and to keep them firmly rooted in our everyday practices.
1. I collaborate
This value means more than just teamwork. It's about actively offering help to colleagues and sharing knowledge and experiences with one another. We believe that good collaboration leads to success not only in projects but also in interpersonal relationships. Whether it involves keeping promises or connecting with different teams, reliability and willingness to help are the foundations of our daily interactions.
2. I work on myself
Personal development is essential for us. Our organization offers various opportunities to engage in training and courses that support personal growth. We learn from one another and create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning.
3. I believe in what I do
Trust in our mission and what we do is key. Every employee should understand our goals and strategy and feel like a part of our story. It is important to be able to explain how our roles contribute to the overall success of the bank and to share this belief with others.
4. I like People
Respect and regard for others are the foundations upon which we build our relationships. We want our colleagues and clients to feel valued and heard. Paying attention to others, listening to their needs, and creating a friendly environment is our goal.
5. I act transparently
Openness is key to trust and effective communication. Sharing thoughts, questions, and concerns in an environment where no one has to fear expressing their opinions helps us build a stronger team.
At Česká spořitelna, we create conditions that facilitate parents' return from maternity and parental leave, thereby supporting an inclusive work environment. Thanks to employee benefits and a flexible approach, the return rate of parents has increased from 41% to 65% over the past two years. In March 2024, we opened a new children's group in Pardubice that offers flexible childcare for children from 15 months, with options for full-week attendance or care on individual days. We are currently working on the preparation of a kindergarten at the new Prague headquarters.
We aim to be a responsible employer that supports the balance between work and personal life while contributing to building a stronger society. We strive to ensure that our actions not only facilitate parents' return to work but also inspire other organizations to create environments that support families and employees in their diverse life roles. We have been the organizers of the traditional international conference "Mothers and Fathers Welcome," which addresses current issues related to parents and their return to work, sharing practical experiences from Czech companies and innovative approaches such as shared parenting and flexible work models.
At Česká spořitelna, we recognize the importance of listening to the younger generation—their perspectives on the world and their expectations. Our goal is to create a bank that appeals to both young clients and employees. That’s why, in 2024, we launched the , a unique initiative that fosters a close connection between the bank’s leadership and the insights of young people.. SinceJanuary 2025, six selected participants have joined the shadow board, collaborating with the bank's management on key discussions and gaining practical experience through rotations and training across the bank. Together, they will shape the bank's strategy for the next five years.
The selection process was designed as an extraordinary experience, utilizing artificial intelligence, real-life situation simulations, and creative tasks that allowed participants to showcase their skills and visions. The Future Mindset Board project has a broader significance and emphasizes the importance of involving the younger generation in decision-making processes, a topic that impacts not only companies but also public administration. We believe that our initiative will inspire other organizations to give young people the opportunity to be part of the changes that shape the future of our society.