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Target Mandate Spoil Holidays of Bankers in SBI
Employees of the State Bank of India (SBI) face shocking weekend mandates to meet targets, raising concerns about work-life balance and persistent pressures within public sector banks.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: December 7, 2023
In an unexpected turn of events, employees of the State Bank of India (SBI) are compelled to work on weekends to fulfil the targets of various schemes. SBI branches in the Rampur region of Uttar Pradesh received a directive to remain open on November 25, November 26 and November 27, 2023.
The official communication stated, “We are at the month-end, and in order to meet our monthly targets in undernoted areas, it has been decided by the competent authority to open the branches on 25.11.2023, 26.11.2023.” The specified schemes include Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyan, NPA and Rinn Samadhan, KCC Renewal, FI Legacy AOFs, and Pre-LCPC AOFs.
Instructions on Target Achievements
The Regional Manager’s order explicitly outlined the targets for employees. It emphasised, “Field Officers (FOSs) are clearly instructed to visit the top 20 borrowers eligible for Rinn Samadhan and also post pictures with GEO-tagging in LAMS invariably.” The directive continued, “You are instructed to open the branches on the above-mentioned days and ensure maximum business output during these three days, and also advise your field officer and FOSs that no one will leave the station without permission from this office.”
Further the directive mentioned, “You are instructed to open the branches on above mentioned days and ensure maximum business output during these three days and also advise your field officer and FOSs that no one will leave the station without permission from this office.”
Weekend Work Controversy in Haryana
A similar instance unfolded in Haryana, where SBI employees were directed to work on weekends. However, the Officers Association of SBI intervened, advising its members to resist complying with the order.
A message in the officers’ group discussed NPA recovery during weekends and holidays. Subsequently, the officers’ association assured its members to avoid working on weekends, restoring work-life balance, and standing up against such office orders.
Image: WhatsApp Message on Weekend Office
Image Credit: X (Twitter)
Persistent Challenges for SBI Employees
Recent complaints from SBI employees highlight sustained deadlines and target pressure affecting work-life balance. Additionally, employees were pressured to sell SBILife to meet daily activation targets of Rs. 1 Lakh. This echoes similar challenges faced by bankers in Bank of Baroda, where the Bank of Baroda Officers Union alleged a disruption of work-life balance in selling third-party products.
Likewise, amid allegations of mis-selling of IndiaFirst Life Insurance, bankers in Bank of Baroda grapple with persistent target pressure, being pushed to sell IndiaFirst Life Insurance.
In the backdrop of burning issues related to work-life balance and target pressure among bankers, the growing trend of forcing weekend work in public sector banks indicates a larger, persistent challenge.