Increase profitability by 23%
Boost productivity by 21%
Increase profitability by 23%
Boost productivity by 21%
It’s a difficult time for the not-for-profit sector. Economic pressures, rising service demands and a highly competitive talent market are making it harder than ever for organisations to keep their people engaged and motivated.
Despite this, Charity Bank stands out as a powerful example of what’s possible in turbulent times, increasing employee engagement by four percentage points in just one year.
Working closely with People Insight, Charity Bank has built a more connected, responsive workplace — one where employee voices directly shape strategy, communication and culture. Through regular listening and focused action, they’ve shown what’s possible when people and purpose truly align.
With a clear mission, a culture rooted in trust and inclusion, and a pioneering four-day work week, Charity Bank proves the impact of putting people first.
Charity Bank is an ethical UK-based bank that partners with individuals and organisations to drive positive social change through finance. As an organisation, they exemplify a mission-driven approach, using savers’ deposits to fund charities and social enterprises across the UK. Their work aligns closely with values-led innovation and sustainable development.
Charity Bank has been recognised with a 2024 Outstanding Workplace Award, a testament to its exceptional employee engagement and values-led culture. But for Charity Bank, this recognition is a reflection of how deeply its mission is embedded in the way it works.
At Charity Bank, creating a great place to work is an extension of the Bank’s core mission to support social good. With 99% of employees saying the Bank’s purpose makes them feel good about their work, the connection between individual motivation and organisational impact is clear.
The Bank’s four-day working week, introduced to support wellbeing and productivity, is just one example of how purpose and people come together in practice. It’s helped to create a culture of trust, balance and high performance.
Charity Bank introduced a four-day working week in 2022 — a bold move rooted in growing evidence that flexibility boosts productivity, wellbeing and employee retention. Research from early adopters across sectors has shown that when implemented thoughtfully, shorter working weeks can lead to happier, more focused teams without compromising performance.
Since adopting the model, Charity Bank is already seeing encouraging signs:
These early indicators point to a working culture where flexibility and performance go hand in hand, and where people feel trusted to do their best work in a way that works for them.
At Charity Bank, high engagement isn’t just good for employees. It strengthens the Bank’s ability to deliver on its mission. When people are supported, motivated and connected to purpose, they deliver stronger outcomes for the charities and social enterprises the Bank serves. The result is a more effective, aligned and resilient organisation, equipped to make a bigger difference where it matters most.
Charity Bank’s four-point rise in engagement in just one year is no accident. It reflects a deep commitment to listening to employees and acting on what they share.
With support from People Insight, the Bank has developed a more mature, strategic approach to employee listening. Insights from the latest survey helped identify communication and transparency as key areas of focus, prompting a number of targeted initiatives:
These efforts have had a measurable impact. Today, 96% of employees say they understand how the Bank is progressing against its aims, a significant increase that reflects the power of acting on employee feedback.
Charity Bank’s approach demonstrates how People Insight’s survey expertise, combined with a leadership team committed to meaningful change, can drive better outcomes for people and performance alike.
Diversity and Inclusion is central to Charity Bank’s organisational culture. In an effort to back up this ethos, the Bank has:
Engagement among women is particularly strong, with 95% reporting high levels of wellbeing and autonomy.
For Charity Bank, listening isn’t a one-off exercise. It’s an ongoing dialogue that shapes the future of the organisation. With support from People Insight, the Bank is embedding employee voice at the heart of its strategic planning.
Right now, colleagues from across the organisation are contributing to the development of Charity Bank’s next five-year strategy. Their involvement ensures that the direction of the Bank is grounded in the real experiences and aspirations of its people.
Over the coming months, the Bank will be sharing a series of ‘You Said, We Did’ updates across multiple communication channels, making it clear how employee feedback is informing real change.
What’s more, insights from last year’s People Insight survey are already influencing the design of the next listening programme, keeping it focused, relevant and aligned to what matters most to employees.
By continuously listening, reflecting and evolving with expert support from People Insight, Charity Bank is building a workplace where engagement drives impact today and in the years ahead.
If you’re ready to create a purpose-driven, high-performing culture, People Insight can help.
Get in touch today to begin your next employee survey and discover the true potential of employee listening.
