BBVA's essential workers (I): the team working at branches in Spain
The COVID-19 health crisis is bringing out the best of society. The solidarity and efforts of the workers the country needs at their regular places of work - known as essential workers - also represent a significant boost toward stopping the epidemic, and help make this quarantine easier to handle. One of the essential sectors for the economy is the financial sector. This new series on BBVA’s corporate website starts off with testimonies from Henar, Sergio and Nuria, employees at the bank’s network of branches in Spain.
Those featured in this video, Henar Herrero and Sergio Sánchez-Urán, - both from Madrid - and Nuria Martínez from Miranda de Ebro (Burgos) tell us first hand about their experience working at BBVA’s branches during the state of emergency. Throughout these weeks, all three have helped dozens of customers, who have appreciated their service, proximity and commitment.
Their work days have been quite a challenge, and very different from a normal work day. Although going to a branch is more difficult due to the exceptional situation we are experiencing, the work they do and the results they obtain are highly satisfying. “The work days are very positive because we can continue helping customers and they leave feeling very satisfied,” concludes Henar Herrero.
“We are here at the branches to continue informing customers. We want to be close to them,” says Sergio Sánchez-Urán with pride. “Although it seems like the world has stopped in its tracks, it’s not true,” notes Nuria Martínez from a branch in Burgos.
BBVA and the team working in branches
In all countries where the group operates, BBVA has taken security measures in line with the guidelines announced by the different government, in addition to adding hygiene and cleaning solutions such as the installation of protective screens or the placement of security lines on the floor to protect both customers and employees.
In addition, the bank has introduced teleworking - over 70,000 employees are now working remotely in the countries where BBVA operates - and communications with customers have been reinforced to ensure that individuals and companies can perform their regular transactions, safeguarding and prioritizing their health.
The BBVA Group is currently operating with 72 percent of branch employees working remotely. And since financial services are considered essential, the rest of the branch employees go to the branches on a daily basis to serve customers - both individuals and companies - in the operations that require physical presence, such as those involving cash or notarized signatures.
In Spain, nearly ten percent of BBVA’s employees are currently working at the branches.