CBA: Re-imagining how we work
Our goal is to ensure the majority of our roles can be flexible so that our people can work where and how they choose. Hear from some of our people about how hybrid working works for them.
Ankit – Talent Acquisition Manager
“I was someone who was not a fan and knew I wasn’t going to be productive enough when I thought about working from home. Fast forward today, my whole approach to working from home has changed. I can’t believe I was missing out on this option earlier. I can’t imagine going back into the office five days a week even when the pandemic is over. I’m able to plan my work week better, realised how many meetings could be an email or a text and actual meetings are more productive. And the engagement with the team hasn’t taken a hit, if anything it’s been at the highest even with people who have joined the team more recently. As a people manager, I’m able to appreciate emotional and well-being needs better and can empathise more than ever.
I’m still able to take time out for meals with my wife and enjoy more walks in the sun during the middle of the day with our family dog. When I finish work, I truly disconnect (which I couldn’t do earlier) and enjoy quality family time. Hybrid working is on top of my list of why I love working here. The way my team and I have embraced this is something I’m extremely proud of.”
Laura – Executive Manager, Financial Wellbeing
“I started CommBank as a full-time Executive Manager almost 7 years ago. For personal reasons, within a few months, I requested to move to a part-time role, working three days a week. I had an open conversation with my manager, and we landed on a job share arrangement where my role would be shared between me and a colleague – with one day of overlap to set us both up for success.
A few years on, I then joined my husband on an unpaid career break. My leader was very supportive, and the conversation was around ‘yes, we can make this work.’ During my career break, I knew it could be challenging to secure my next role because I wanted to come back on a part-time basis. I applied for a full-time role and felt confident to do the role four days a week – in accepting the role I committed to re-evaluating my part-time hours if it wasn’t working for me.
I’ve now transitioned into hybrid working – balancing being at home with coming into the office. This works for me because I can have plenty of focused time at home and organise my office days around face-to-face meetings and team catch-ups. Throughout my career at CommBank, I’ve been able to use flex working options to enable a lifestyle that I want in and out of work – with no or few compromises to either!
Brian – Executive Manager
“I was grateful to be able to take ten weeks of parental leave at the tail end of my daughter’s first year of life. I valued this connection time with not just my daughter but also my son who was in pre-school. Before this, my wife was working part-time and I was working full-time, but after this, we decided to split the part-time load between the both of us to have an active role with the kids. During my time at CommBank, I’ve worked a compressed week, part-time hours, and purchased annual leave. Having these options during the pandemic with two young kids made things much easier and allowed me to bring my best to both worlds.”
Zoe – Manager, Product Governance & Regulatory Change
“Working at CommBank has enabled me to manage a chronic and often deadly liver disease in a way that no other workplace has facilitated – it’s been quite literally life-changing. Working from home part-time from day one, and full time since the onset of the pandemic has meant that I can manage full-time work while improving my health. Most empowering has been the all-embracing positive culture and attitude of co-workers to my arrangement. This is what makes me love working here – whether that’s in person or online because I can throw myself fully into work without it coming at the expense of my health. I was surviving, but now – ironically during a global pandemic – I’m thriving. CommBank as an employer is saving my life.”
Beiwei – Software Engineer
“I joined CommBank as a Graduate at the start of the pandemic. I spent the entire Graduate Program working from home. More than just eliminating the commute and convenience of working from my place, I remember feeling really fortunate. ‘How well does a company react to a pandemic’ – wasn’t typically something students tend to look out for in Graduate roles, so I felt quite lucky. As someone who was used to overseas schooling and complex university schedules that looked like half-completed jigsaw puzzles, the flexibility to manage my own time and working style has been one of the most positive aspects about starting my career.”
Elena– Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Insights
“I joined CommBank right before the restrictions of the pandemic were first introduced in Australia. Living and working in Melbourne, I already felt connected to my team in Sydney even though I hadn’t met them face to face yet due to the travel restrictions. We had regular video calls, carved out time to play team games, and openly shared the ups and downs of living through a global pandemic. During Melbourne’s second lockdown, I received care packages from my team and heartfelt messages of support from people across the bank. It’s so nice to work at a place where people genuinely care about you and your well-being.
I’m supported to work flexibly and often vary my time in the office and remotely. My partner’s family lives in Perth, so I’ve had the opportunity to work from there when we’re visiting. It’s a great way to meet colleagues in different locations. I love that I can achieve my career goals here without compromising my personal goals and mental health.”
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