Optimisation of the branch network, development of the Online Branch, greater flexibility with the organisation of working hours, an expanded ESG financial offer, proximity to customers... Banque Raiffeisen remains true to its cooperative values and to its commitment to responsible and sustainable finance.
A “phygital” approach to meet customers’ needs and expectations
In order to remain physically close to its customers while offering a uniformly high-quality service, Banque Raiffeisen continues to optimise its network, which now totals 30 branches spread throughout Luxembourg, particularly in the main business centres in the country’s various regions. As physical branches remain the crucial distribution channels, the Bank continues to invest in its network to guarantee high quality services and to constantly adapt to the changing behaviour and needs of its customers.
Despite the recent closure of some branches, others are being modernised (Niederanven, Weiswampach and Remich), relocated or are in the process of being built or planned (Bascharage, Differdange, Esch-Belval and Wiltz).
In addition to its branch network, Banque Raiffeisen is aligning itself with the needs of customers who are increasingly seeking high-performance digital solutions (operations via R-Net, payment cards and so on) for the transactional part. As a matter of fact, the Bank has noticed a significant reduction in counter operations, but a booming demand from private and professional customers for advisory services (savings, loans, investments), whether through its traditional channels or the Online Branch.
In October 2022, Banque Raiffeisen created its first “Hub of Home” in Kirchberg, a branch entirely dedicated to home loan advice which is complementary to the existing network. Thanks to its specialist advisors, customers are informed, guided, advised, and supported in their best interests, while taking into account the specificities of their personal project. Due to the success of this initiative, Banque Raiffeisen is going to launch a second “Hub of Home” in Esch-Belval in 2023.
An active recruitment policy and the optimisation of working hours
For Banque Raiffeisen, the human aspect has always been of utmost importance. For this reason, the Bank is committed to being close to its customers and to listening to them. Of course, this also applies to its staff members. Raiffeisen has an active recruitment policy and develops innovative solutions to improve the well-being of all its teams.
In 2022, the Bank rethought the organisation of working hours to attract new talent in a very tight job market, but also to meet the needs of new generations of colleagues.
One of these solutions consists in offering staff members the possibility to organise their work day in a more flexible manner between 7 am and 7 pm. Another initiative, which is unique in Luxembourg, is the introduction of the “Quality Time” concept, which allows the Raiffeisen employees to benefit, in addition to the legal holidays and rest days provided as determined in the collective bargaining agreement, from one day or two half-days free per month, without impact on their remuneration and extra-legal benefits.
All these initiatives aim to increase work flexibility and staff well-being. Their implementation has no impact on the reliability and quality of all services provided by the Bank for its customers. In this way, Banque Raiffeisen positions itself as a modern, socially responsible employer that is attentive to the development of its human capital.
Addressing societal and environmental challenges through an ESG approach
As a cooperative bank, Banque Raiffeisen is ideally placed to address the environmental, societal, and good governance challenges which are a major concern today. Shaping a sustainable future for all is a priority for Banque Raiffeisen, which acts as a responsible bank both in the way it deals with its customers and members and in its day-to-day management and interactions with its other stakeholders. In doing so, the Bank considers the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations and those of the Paris Climate Accord.
In terms of investments, Banque Raiffeisen has a wide range of ESG-compliant products and services which enable every type of customer in terms of assets, investment profile and age to find a solution which meets their needs. At the end of 2022, Banque Raiffeisen was one of the first three banks in Luxembourg to obtain the LuxFLAG “ESG Discretionary Mandate” Label for its discretionary management directive “R-Gestion Sustainable”.
Furthermore, in partnership with the “Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur” from “natur&ëmwelt” and the NGO “Friendship Luxembourg”, Banque Raiffeisen and its members have financed the planting of more than 40,000 trees in Luxembourg and Bangladesh through its VISA credit cards, with a positive ecological impact.
A first carbon balance sheet was established in 2022. On this basis, Banque Raiffeisen has committed to further reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through an ambitious action plan. Within this context, 73 electric charging stations have been installed in the headquarters’ parking area and a project to install solar panels will be implemented in the near future. Furthermore, 47% of R-Net customers have activated the paperless option and the trend is still growing.
Internal governance to oversee the implementation of the Bank’s sustainability roadmap has been strengthened by the establishment of an ESG Committee, by assigning responsibility for ESG to a member of the Management Board, by continuous efforts to train all staff members, by the creation of a dedicated ESG team, and by general awareness-raising measures in everyday situations.
Aware of the importance of environmental, societal and governance issues, the Bank is eager, at its level, to take on the many challenges linked to the preservation of the planet for future generations. Through the concrete actions and measures already taken, it demonstrates its deep commitment to the environment, respect for human rights and to responsible and sustainable finance.
Contact :
Sarah Melcher
T +352 2450 2524