The discussion reiterates the importance of a comfortable work environment for employees to be positively productive. The Standard Chartered framework and policies are designed to help employees maintain a work-life balance to enable them to achieve their career goals with corporate support.
What does it take for a woman to make it big in the banking sector?
Hard work and dedication, of course, but there’s more to it than that. In a candid tête-à-tête with Behnaz Sanjana, five of the top boss ladies at Standard Chartered Bank – Bahrain, speak about how the culture of the bank brings out the best in employees and share their experiences on pertinent topics vis-à-vis women in today’s corporate milieu.
A Contemporary Corporate Culture
“Standard Chartered has formally introduced flexi-time, work-from-home and part-time policies which have a clear process and documented guidelines to follow. They are available for everyone, not only female employees,” says Ruth. “Not only do we grant a long maternity leave of 16 weeks, but line managers of expectant employees have to complete a maternal assessment to ensure that the type of work is suitable to their condition, with regard to health, safety and comfort. We also give 10 days of paternity and compassionate leave which goes above the minimum required by the labour law.”
Zoe says: “A woman returning from maternity leave will have a meeting with her line manager to assess and choose if she is ready to start with a full workload or take it slow. It’s an important process.”
As per Noora, the bank greatly focuses on diversity and inclusion, so there is no discrimination when it comes to gender, culture or background. She says: “In my team, both men and women take the option of working from home on specified days of the week. This way, men also have the opportunity to be hands-on fathers and husbands when they can.”
The ladies agree that the bank doesn’t need employees to be physically present on the premises at all times, except if they are in customer-facing roles, as long as productivity is not compromised and work is delivered as per deadlines.
A Healthy Work Life Balance
Deena appreciates that the bank has given her the tools for flexible working, which fits perfectly with her lifestyle. “It allows me to keep my sanity in an otherwise hectic pace,” she says. “I pursue my hobbies during the time off, so I have a good balance between work and recreation.”
Shaikha, a mum to young children, says she has never felt judged for having to leave work early or come in a little later when necessary. “It’s a very understanding work environment, which makes life so much easier. During the summer, my team and I have flexible hours where we can tend to our children’s schedules as well as work. The arrangement suits everyone and knowing we can do this allows us to feel supported and comfortable at work.”
“You feel trusted here to utilise your time efficiently, and people do not abuse this privilege,” says Deena, to which Zoe adds: “I have managed never to miss any of my son’s school events when he was younger, and I’m grateful to my line managers and team that they encouraged me to be present for him. But you earn that trust. Sometimes work demands that we put in the long hours, and that’s part of the excitement.”
No Guts No Glory
“What got me here is working hard with a positive attitude,” says Noora. Deena attributes her success to confidence, knowing her craft well and being proactive. “Educating yourself about your market, products and environment is a recipe for success,” she says.
“I would say women need to be more vocal to get noticed for their capabilities,” Ruth says. “Also, have a long-term view of your career and build networks to get to your five- or ten-year goals.”
“Women are perfectionists and tend to feel overwhelmed by the demands of work and home,” observes Shaikha. “Patience and courage are as important as working hard.”
Zoe sums it up saying: “Besides tenacity and a love for our work, the common thing that the five of us have is consistency. The way we are committed to our work is a major factor in our success. And it works both ways because the bank has been very good to us.”
It’s a Woman Thing
“Being mothers, sisters and daughters, we bring empathy into the workplace, which may be lacking in a male-dominated environment,” says Shaikha. Deena feels that it comes from ladies being more self-aware and reflective.
Ruth observes that with women in the room, the meeting has a different, perhaps more positive, feel. “A room full of men can sometimes be mundane and dreary! I can’t define it, but we add a flavour to the room. We can be more creative, result-oriented, and are most interested in bringing value to the table.” “Yes, it’s a different energy!” agrees Noora.
Zoe says: “Well, one stereotype that we break in here is that we steer meetings back to the subject, in spite of the fact that we women can talk endlessly!”
Busting the Typecast
At Standard Chartered, women are hired or promoted for the value they add to the role, regardless of their personal choices, gender or situations.
Shaikha recalls: “When I was about to be promoted to CFO, nobody knew I was pregnant. I asked the CEO if he would want to reconsider the decision, as by the time the official paperwork would be complete, I would be on maternity leave. He first congratulated me and then assured me that my pregnancy or temporary absence would not hamper the bank’s decision. I was so surprised and touched, elsewhere this could have impacted my career.”
Ruth remembers: “While with Standard Chartered Zambia, my work was highly stressful. Although I had promised myself to never get emotional, I just broke down one day. My CEO and the bank showed me whole-hearted support and I took a six-week sabbatical (also one of the bank’s group policies) to rejuvenate and return to work in a better state of mind.”
Noora says: “Women give birth to new life, multitask between their careers, home, paying attention to detail, considering others’ feelings, and being ‘nice’. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to not show emotion. So what if we do! It’s our way of dealing with anger or frustration.”
“It’s believed that for a woman to succeed, she has to act like a man,” says Deena. “But when we are ourselves, we do better in life and our careers.”
Noora concludes: “We work extremely hard to measure up to men at the risk of being burnt out quickly. In the hurry to get to the top, we mustn’t forget to go out and live our lives as well.”
