Culture Award 2024

The top 3 nominees in each category travelled to the Tower in Frankfurt to take part in the award ceremony. They were welcomed by Chief Human Resources Officer, Sabine Mlnarsky, and Andreas Thiessen, Divisional Director for Segment Management at Private and Small-Business Customers segment, who also hosted the event in previous years. Colleagues from Lodz, Sofia and London also attended, as well as members of the five jury teams that had drawn up the shortlist from all the nominations.

“The achievements you have accomplished make you role models for many colleagues at the Bank”, Sabine Mlnarsky emphasized. Andreas Thiessen explained: “We established the Culture Award two years ago, and it is fantastic that it has already become an integral part of Commerzbank.”

Comdirect again named ‘Best Bank in Germany’

With 90,000 new customers in the first quarter of 2024, the comdirect customer management team faced the challenge of processing a veritable flood of transactions in a short period of time. What the team did not know at that time was that the enquiries included some hidden test enquiries from EURO magazine, which selects the ‘Best Bank in Germany’ every year. Despite the huge amount of work involved, the team delivered a first-class service and, once again, won the title of ‘Best Bank’ for comdirect as a Commerzbank brand. This award not only strengthens the Bank’s reputation, but also paves the way for further growth. They also impressed Commerzbank colleagues with their performance. Colleagues chose the team as the winner in the ‘Growth’ category.

Tested and rated as excellent

Software tests are indispensable for quality. However, manual tests are becoming increasingly difficult to implement. To meet this challenge around 500 tests have been gradually automated. The success is based on close collaboration between business experts, who define the test cases, and developers, who implement them technically. Together, they ensure that the Bank’s customers are always benefitting from optimized software solutions. In recognition of this progress they earned an accolade in the ‘Excellence’ category.

Taking a firm stand against racism

Racism and discrimination are not tolerated at Commerzbank. This attitude was also made clear by colleagues during an internal event for young talents. They engaged in a discussion with the participants and emphasized the irrefutable values of Commerzbank. For their commitment, they received the award in the "Responsibility and Integrity" category.

‘We have a standing order set up for love’

Despite social progress, people from the LGBT*IQ community still suffer from discrimination. Over 40 per cent do not dare to openly address the topic at the workplace. The Bank is therefore sending out a clear signal in favour of diversity and acceptance, including by attending the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Berlin. Under the motto ‘We have a standing order set up for love’, Commerzbank had its own truck at the event once again in 2024. The dedicated CSD Berlin team organized the event again. For more than six months of voluntary work, they took care of all the important details – from organizing the truck, registration to catering. The team was awarded a prize in the ‘Diversity’ category for their outstanding commitment.

Inclusion is a matter close to our hearts

In autumn 2022, a Commerzbank employee suffered a stroke that led to extensive paralysis. But his determination to return to work was unbroken. Support from his colleagues gave him strength. They all worked hand in hand to make it possible and easier for him to return to work. He privately received information about the technical options available and liaised closely with the IT department, who provided him with the necessary tools. His initiative not only paved the way back to work for him, but will also help the Bank to make it easier for other people to return to work in the future. This joint challenge has brought the team even closer together. For this impressive joint effort it deservedly ranked first place in the ‘Inclusion’ category for this impressive team effort.

A ceremonial conclusion with a sustainable gesture

In addition to the honour of the award, each winner received a ‘thank you’ voucher worth 150 euros. In the spirit of sustainability, Sabine Mlnarsky and Andreas Thiessen also presented all winners with certificates for trees to be planted in the Bavarian forest. At the get-together after the awards ceremony, the guests celebrated the award winners and enjoyed a lively exchange of ideas to round off the evening in style.