Our values are based on long-term thinking, taking responsibility, trust and respect for the individual. They are fundamental to enabling our colleagues to do what they feel is right for our customers. All our colleagues live these values day in and day out - enabling our organisation to be truly decentralised, which itself leads to better and faster decisions made close to the customer.
Our culture nurtures a spirit of respect for colleagues and customers and a collaborative way of working. 50 years ago Jan Wallander, our CEO at the time, set out our unique culture and way of working, and we have been guided by this principle ever since.
This included "an unshakeable belief in people and their ability and will to do good things well ('Our Way' - the handbook of our corporate culture)."
Our single-minded focus on customer needs throughout the organisation means we have some clear differences in our working practices from many other providers. At the Bank, we don’t have sales targets, product campaigns or short-term annual bonuses, freeing us to do what’s right for the customer every time. Employees participate in a long-term profit sharing scheme whereby colleagues benefit from sustainable growth in the Bank.
Our strength is derived from our colleagues’ expertise and competence: we believe that when our employees advance, the Bank advances. We therefore have a well-established and structured process for the development of our employees. Through day-to-day learning and by taking responsibility for their progress, our colleagues are able to develop themselves, their colleagues and the business.
