Heritage Bank is Australia’s largest customer owned bank with 100 branches and mini-branches in southern Queensland. Mortgage brokers also provide access to its range of services across Australia. Heritage’s online and mobile banking, telephone services and nationwide network of ATMs allow these customers to get the full benefit of deposits, lending and insurance products that are available to Heritage’s branch customers.
Heritage Bank’s commitment to being an employer of choice is evident with an independent survey revealing a positive employee engagement rating of 88%. Performance planning and reviews, incentive schemes, recruitment and training are all connected to Heritage’s focus on customers, staff and community. Bob Hogarth explained the company’s approach to employee satisfaction and development, “We look after the needs of our staff and are passionate about creating an environment that encourages them to achieve their best – personally and professionally”. This commitment has recently been honoured with Heritage Bank being an ABA100 Winner in The Australian Business Awards for the Employer of Choice category.
In 2013, Heritage Bank introduced the Step Forward program targeted specifically to high potential female employees. Specific programs were developed for the various levels of participants including the Step Forward Contender Conversation between senior management and the participant, online assessments designed to identify development opportunities, career planning, workshops and Next Step Forward – a networking function with Heritage Bank’s female Senior Managers. Results of the initiative have been astounding: of the original 26 participants, six have been promoted, three have transferred to roles in other parts of the business and four have commenced external study.
