Attracting the best human resources has been a central element in BNI Syariah’s strategy for internal capacity building over the period 2010-2012 during which the number of employees increased by 50% at both the head office and branches. This remains to be the case following a further increase in work force size between 2012 and 2014 to the current total of 4,138. Hiring dynamic and passionate professionals with equal opportunities for men and women and from a diverse range of backgrounds as well as education levels that can bring a fresh approach to the bank has been key to BNI Syariah’s ongoing success. Moreover, the implementation of Hasanah Titik and its emphasis on collaboration and positivity in the workplace addresses the bank’s priority of creating a close-knit corporate culture.

Various methods are employed for continuous employee and internal performance monitoring such as the balance score card system and the introduction of the Talent Management System in 2011 to ensure the long term sustainability of the bank. BNI Syariah’s most recent initiatives to monitor performance include the 2014 assessment program for Senior and Executive Manager level positions, designed to provide employees in leadership roles with clear and constructive feedback.

BNI Syariah is also known for its commitment to offering training for both hard and soft skill competencies, as a means for employees to actively improve upon areas identified in their performance assessment. In 2014 alone, the bank made available 158 different training programs that were attended by 4,000 employees – a participation rate of 96%. Such dedication to its work force is reflected in the overwhelming workplace satisfaction of BNI Syariah employees, itself measured by an annual in-house Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Survey.    

Finding qualified human resources within Islamic banking in Indonesia is one of the main challenges facing the further expansion of the industry and therefore one that BNI Syariah is keen to address. In 2013 a fresh graduate training and recruitment system was initiated whereby new employees are subject to an intensive training course. New and existing employees will then undertake an annual course to refresh and build upon their skills sets in preparation for the bank’s future expansion throughout Indonesia.

BNI Syariah in 2014 launched an initiative to establish a community comprised of individuals that best represent the ideals of Hasanah. To select members of the Hasanah Community, the bank takes advantage of Mutiara Bangsa BerHasanah, a program to find inspiring Indonesians who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the well-being of their community. Mobilising its vast network of branches across the country to nominate individuals who have demonstrated unmatched selflessness, BNI Syariah uses its platform as an influential market leader to broadcast the achievements of these nominees to the rest of the nation. Through this program, which was first established in 2009 through a partnership with Kraftig Advertising, BNI Syariah showcases what it means to live in accordance with the core principles of its Hasanah Titik campaign: sound moral character, virtuous intentions, and social harmony.

Previous winners of the Mutiara Bangsa BerHasanah program include individuals who have taken upon the responsibility of providing loans without interest to fellow members of their community despite themselves coming from relatively modest backgrounds. Such generosity leads to widespread economic development, and is precisely the type of behaviour that BNI Syariah would like to encourage as part of its plan to further socialise Hasanah ideals.

In addition to raising public awareness for Hasanah by celebrating the achievements of people that embody the lifestyle, the Mutiara Bangsa BerHasanah program has a lasting long-term impact by inspiring others to take similar steps in supporting the development of their local community. For BNI Syariah, this translates into new opportunities to serve customers in greater need of financial management services ranging from loans to the distribution of zakat funds. As an annual program that begins with a socialization campaign in June, the latest group of individuals to be recognized as national treasures is announced towards the end of the calendar year.