“We can offer many attractive positions and promote diversity”
Judith Steinhoff
Global Head of Human Resources
In 2022, the bank hired 125 new employees, after having cut staff before that. Was 2022 a turning point? JS In 2022, we continued the ongoing realignment of the bank. The transformation laid the foundation for our sustainably successful business activities. We are one of the most successful banks in Europe. We are growing and can offer many attractive jobs and promote diversity. We have now left the days of downsizing behind us. Why did the bank hire so many employees? JS We have strengthened our market and back-office functions primarily to achieve our earnings targets. And we want to develop other markets and business areas. That’s why we have expanded our locations in London and Luxembourg. This increases the need for resources in the back-up functions. In addition, we have added highly specialized employees in many areas and have invested in young people. That means we have much more quality in terms of expertise, as well as the potential offered by new talent. Are there any further recruitments planned for 2023? JS Yes, we are planning around 150 additional hires. In particular, we will focus on bringing female employees on board. The advancement of women, especially their development as senior experts and managers, is very important to us. Will the total number of employees increase? JS Yes. The past few years were characterized by departures planned during the transformation phase and former downsizing programs. That is over. With the planned new hires, the number of employees will increase. The bank wants to grow moderately. Does it need employees with special profiles to achieve this? JS We are looking for relationship managers and credit analysts with expertise in digital infrastructure, for example. As we continue to internationalize, we will also need people with experience in our foreign markets. We aim to be a data-driven company. We are also looking for personnel to meet that goal. In addition to acquiring expertise, we are looking for new employees who enjoy a highly dynamic environment and a workplace that allows them to help shape things and that constantly develops them by posing new challenges. The labor market seems to be very competitive. How did you manage to recruit so many new employees for the bank? JS New employees can quickly take on responsibilities at HCOB. We are the first privatized bank in Germany to complete its transformation and we have very good figures to show for it. We are part of an extremely exciting story in the German banking market. This is very attractive for people who enjoy entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and a high standard of professionalism. Apart from remuneration in line with the market, we offer attractive benefits. We also focus on training young people. Our business model allows us to offer students in work-study programs exciting responsibilities and development opportunities right from the start.
Our own trainee program is also popular. Another important aspect is that we are very happy to hire trainees once they have completed their training. And finally, we have expanded our recruiting beyond Germany’s borders. We hire at our sites abroad and recruit internationally for our headquarters in Hamburg. What do employees expect from an employer today? JS First and foremost, a working environment in which performance is recognized and in which employees can develop their potential. Managers play a central role in this. Employees expect that there will be an exchange of ideas among equals and that their expertise will be put to use. Modern, flexible working conditions and state-of-the-art technology are also important. Remuneration and attractive benefits that take mobility, health promotion, in-office refreshments and a modern working environment into account are also standard these days. We offer all of this. Has the culture at the bank changed in recent years? JS We are a very open organization. That starts with our lean organizational structure. Our managers are involved in operational issues and work closely with employees. We operate across departments and hierarchies. We constantly review our working methods and processes. Employees tackle new topics and tasks unbureaucratically and quickly assume responsibility for them. This makes us a very flexible and dynamic company.
New Hires at HCOB
Dr. Thomas Scheffel, Banking & Capital Markets Law
“The really thorough onboarding I received from HR and my colleagues provided me with deep insight into the bank – that was a very good start. I like the fact that my job here is very challenging and varied. No two days are the same. The atmosphere in our area and the bank in general is characterized by a high level of professionalism and a good team spirit. Everyone pulls together, which is a lot of fun.”
Sören-Alexander Klose, Loan & Collateral Operations II
“I like the colorful, diverse and modern working environment at the bank. And that you can quickly take on responsibility here. That gives you a lot of leeway. I find the people very open, communicative and helpful, which made it easy for me right from the start. I’m a fan of the band Wir sind Helden (We Are Heroes) and I’d like to quote one of their songs because I think it applies to me: ‘I’ve come to stay.’”