Bermuda Commercial Bank makes its second successive appearance in the Top Ten Employers, improving three places on its debut eighth position in last year’s survey.
The smallest of Bermuda’s four regulated banks, BCB has its sights firmly set on growth after a change of ownership in 2021. Its headcount has risen by more than 20 per cent since last year’s survey to 63 people.
Employee comments speak to a culture of respectfulness at BCB, and it is evident the staff love their boss. Among the descriptions of CEO Neville Grant in the survey are “level-headed”, “not stuck up”, “real”, “honest”, “kind”, “approachable” and “extremely knowledgeable”.
In 2021 BCB launched a strategic plan with the top priority of “investing in, growing and developing our people”. Results are monitored via a quarterly employee engagement survey, backed up by group discussion sessions to turn the feedback into recommended actions. The efforts appear to be bearing fruit.
One staff member said: “My workplace is amazing. It has made me more passionate about the work I do and I feel inspired to grow and mature in my industry. I love the culture. Everyone is so nice and we all interact with each other well. I’ve never been happier. I am able to learn and ask questions. I am also trusted and given responsibility. There is a lot of opportunity for growth.”
Another said: “The employees are very friendly, the work environment is jovial and not so uptight and restrictive. It is a joy to come to work.”
BCB employees have evident pride in the value of their work to the community, particularly with regard to BCB being the bank of choice for the Bermuda Government’s Mortgage Guarantee Programme, which allows Bermudian first-time property buyers reduced borrowing rates and down-payment requirements, to help more people own “a piece of the rock”.
Charities to benefit from BCB support include the Convex End to End, the Bermuda Young Lawyers Professional Clothing Drive, the Women’s Resource Centre and the Salvation Army. BCB has also adopted a beach, Chaplin Bay, as part of a Keep Bermuda Beautiful cleanup programme.
WHAT THE EMPLOYEES HAD TO SAY …
“Senior management is attentive to the needs of the employees and encourages a healthy work-life balance.”
“Opinions of staff are encouraged and heard.”
“The CEO is in the trenches working with his front line staff.”
