"We're choosing to accelerate action," says Bank First with Chief People Officer Louise Marshall and colleagues telling us how they do it
Bank First and its colleagues know decisive action is required to Accelerate Action for gender equality, and Bank First is making bold moves and creating bold changes in order to achieve gender equality.
"We're choosing to Accelerate Action as we lead up to International Women's Day in 2025. Chief People Officer, Louise Marshall, and our people tell you how we do it at Bank First," said Bank First.
A strong focus on gender parity
"At Bank First, we've really been focused on gender parity since our very beginnings. We were founded as a bank for teachers and particularly back in those days teaching was a very female orientated profession. Equally, in those times, women couldn't get a home loan without the signature of a husband, a father or a brother. Hard to believe now, but true back then. And in fact, our first loan was to a single mother so that she could put a roof over the head of herself and her two young children," shared Bank First Chief People Officer, Louise Marshall.
"Fast forward to today, you can really see gender parity at work. We have a female CEO, a female CFO and a female Chief Member Officer. But of course it's much more than just leadership roles. It’s about the whole ecosystem of Bank First, and everything that we offer our people every day, from flexible working arrangements, to an extra week of annual leave, to paid parental leave for all genders and a real walk the talk around financial wellbeing. But don't take my word for it, you might expect me as Chief People Officer to say these things. Let’s hear directly from our people."
Accelerating Action via work-life balance options
Bank First colleagues shared how the company provides flexible work arrangements, leave options and paid parental leave, and as such, is putting into practice Bank First's commitment to Accelerate Action for gender equality.
"The Be You Leave and the flexible working really helped me to take care of myself," said Bank First colleague, Coey.
"My wife doesn't work here, but she's directly benefiting and able to continue to pursue her career because of the flexibility that Bank First offers me," said a further colleague, Keith.
Bank First colleague, Eddie, said: "Bank First’s parental leave policy really gave me a chance to help support my wife who wanted to continue working."
"I live in regional Victoria, so I'm grateful that I can choose my working hours and my days to come in," said Bank First colleague, Anya.
Bank First colleague, Donna, explained: "Working flexibility is for me to come into the office. I enjoy being here every day. So flexibility is different for me than everyone else, but it's still embraced at Bank First."
Hosting a women-led panel discussion
Bank First Chief People Officer, Louise Marshall, shared that in the lead up to International Women's Day, she was really excited for the upcoming Bank First event.
"One of our very own talented female leaders will be hosting four brilliant women in their fields for a panel discussion with all of our staff. I know that they'll have some incredibly interesting insights to share," she said. "I'll also have a great little update on where Bank First is tracking on its gender parity, so I look forward to sharing that with you as well."
Bank First is underpinned by its values
As a customer owned bank, Bank First’s values underpin everything the company does. It's who Bank First is as an organization.
Bank First’s values are:
- ‘We care’ - Bank First listens to its customers and does all it can do meet their needs. Bank First supports its people to do their best.
- 'We learn and grow' - Bank First is passionate about building collective knowledge. The company actively seeks to be agile and great.
- 'We empower' - Bank First enables its people and its customers to achieve the best outcomes by being consistent and present.
- 'We do it for the customer' - Bank First stands out by being authentic and honest. The company is proud to do the right thing for its customers.
Bank First has a commitment to Accelerate Action for gender equality, and continues to step forward in solidarity for International Women's Day and beyond.