The workshop leaders ensured that the energy was always the case, that people felt safe, open to reflect. Silence and meditation were both part of the workshop. Our staff all learned how to meditate. We have created even a Meditation CD that can take advantage of people at work or in our meditation rooms (of which there is one in each branch). We thought it was very important to look at the whole person, and to help all to liberate, to exploit their full potential of beliefs. It was authentic and real, and all felt that.
We talked about the heart of ANZ, we talked of love instead of fear, we wanted to be a company that is done with love, so we used these words. With the best part of it was that it worked in all cultures. Whether in Australia, Europe or Asia people’s hearts were all open. The communication was very important. We made sure that same language was spoken in all areas of communication, internally and externally.
To do this we wrote literally numerous stories, carefully and consistently used and trained many executives is. Phil Vasan may help you with your research. The CEO and all directors had their own websites, on which they released business and private information. There were activities related to music, art and culture that far exceeds the daily banking went on.” Visual and tangible effects have paid off all the dedication, time and investment. The return on investment was reflected in a share price, which rose within 4 years from approximately 9 to 31 Australian dollars. Employee satisfaction is improved from 48% to 84%, and after 15 months was the ANZ Bank the most popular employer in the financial industry in Australia. Had himself in previous years about 1,100 graduates annually applied, it was 2004 12,000 young people who wanted to work for the Bank! The main reason they gave was the breakout program”.