Scots workers enjoy improved togetherness amid pandemic, says RBS

The onset of the pandemic may have fostered a stronger sense of togetherness among colleagues despite the introduction of physical distancing measures, a new study suggests.

The lender found that nearly a third of Scots employees reported a greater appreciation for their colleagues. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

The report from Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on the social impacts of the pandemic on the workforce found that nearly a third of Scottish employees said they had a greater appreciation for their colleagues than they did before Covid-19.

Scots employees feel valued by their bosses, with 72 per cent of respondents currently in active employment reporting that they have been treated well by their employer through the pandemic and more than half agree that their hard work this year has been recognised by their company.

Looking ahead to 2021, 86 per cent of employees stated that staff wellbeing should be either the top priority or at least a priority for their employers over the next year. However, more than a quarter of Scottish respondents said they are now bored of virtual quizzes.

Susan Fouquier, MD of business banking Scotland at RBS, said the lender is “committed to supporting Scottish businesses through the challenging economic conditions we are all currently experiencing”.

The bank said that alongside more than £11 billion of support through the main government schemes for business, it has doubled the number of customer support staff available to help with queries, and continued to keep 95 per cent of the branch network open throughout the crisis.

Ms Fouquier added: “As part of the UK’s biggest business bank, we have a clear responsibility in the recovery process. Royal Bank continues to look for new and innovative ways to support our business customers, working with a wide range of stakeholders, including the government and local authorities, to identify solutions to the problems brought about by the pandemic and to plan for a positive and proactive 2021.

“We encourage any of our business and personal banking customers in Scotland who may be facing difficulties to get in contact to allow us to understand their individual situation and see what we can do to help.”

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