Two videos have surfaced online, which show officials from two different banks reprimanding junior staff for failing to meet targets during a call. The videos are being widely shared on social media, with people voicing their anger against the banks as the visuals depicted how much pressure bank employees face to meet their sales targets. The viral videos have prompted discussions on work culture within the industry.
One of the videos, which surfaced on May 4, shows an officer scolding employees for prioritising personal work even during off-duty hours. "If you will not participate in recovery, including holidays, because you want time after working to travel with your family but your hell to your family. What should I do?"
He could also be heard issuing a 'warning': "So clear message to all, and if week-wise, Monday to Saturday, work is not happening, Saturday or Sunday, whenever holiday, and if you did not respond kindly, things will be different and for everyone be it officer, chief manager, AGM."
The video has garnered a huge traction and invited severe backlash.
In the other video that surfaced last month, one officer could be heard screaming at a junior who seemed to have failed to meet the month's targets.
Reacting aggressively to an employee’s apology, he could be heard saying: “Are you even ashamed of yourself? This is March?”
Check Out The Viral Video Here
Banks React
Responding to the outcry, Bandhan Bank issued a statement addressing the incident and pledged to take appropriate actions against the officer involved.
“The Bank has taken cognizance of the incident. At Bandhan Bank, we place high emphasis on values & we condemn such behaviour. We do not endorse or promote such an approach. Necessary action has already been initiated & we will take appropriate steps in line with the Bank’s policy,” the bank said in a statement.
Similarly, Canara Bank, in a response on May 4, addressed the situation involving its officers featured in the video. “At Canara Bank we always value the contribution of our employees and their families, it is proven time and again. The bank does not endorse this kind of individual behaviour and personal opinion of a particular staff. We assure that appropriate action is being taken,” the bank said in an X post.
Here’s How X Users Are Reacting
The viral videos have sparked a debate among users on X. Here are a few reactions:
“I can see the same thing happening in PSB team meets within 3 years,” a user said. “Looks like top executives from PSBs have shifted to Bandhan Bank,” another said.
"Total sympathies with that Kunal - to have been driven to extreme pressure to show results, he is now vitiating the entire region... The best solution is - listed companies...stop publishing quarterly results... let it be an annual exercise," a third user said.
“I had experienced a similar situation while I was working with him at Indusind bank..and when i reported it to HR & concerned authorities ..i was fired from job. He misbehaves with all employees and his true behaviour had been revealed.Women employee d9nt feel safe working with him," a fourth chimed in.
RBI On Governance And Ethics
Setting unattainable targets for employees is a recurring issue within the banking sector, often leading to instances where employees resort to unethical practices to meet them. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convened a meeting with the board of directors of public sector banks (PSBs) and private banks in May 2023 to address the concern regarding governance and ethics.
Expressing concerns over the increasing incidents of mis-selling, the finance ministry directed heads of PSBs to implement robust mechanisms to prevent unethical practices.
A letter addressed to chairpersons and managing directors of PSBs said that the Department of Financial Services has received complaints that fraudulent and unethical practices are adopted by banks and life insurance companies for procuring policies from bank customers.