Employees and their managers agree on personal development plans (PDPs) on a regular
basis. These plans set out agreements on development goals and activities, such as attending
courses, going on work placements, participating in specific projects or obtaining accreditation
for prior learning. Arrangements concerning such accreditation were continued in the new
CBA (see above). Rabo Real Estate Group also made arrangements concerning accreditation
for prior learning in its CBA.
A Virtual Career Portal was launched in 2010. The portal is an accessible, convenient tool
that helps employees think about their careers. It therefore focuses on the issues of what
employees want from their careers and what they are able to do. The website contains dozens
of tests, and career questions can be submitted to an e-coach. Employees who want a detailed
career assessment can choose, in consultation with their manager, to undergo a career check
at a firm of career consultants. During 2010, over 250 employees of Rabobank Nederland took
advantage of this opportunity. Several years ago, Rabobank Seniorship was introduced for
employees aged 45 and over who have held the same position for some years. During 2010,
76 employees participated in this programme and had the chance to take a fresh look at their
career path, with the aim of taking charge of the rest of their career.
During economic downturns, just like all businesses, Rabobank is forced to take a critical
look at staffing levels in relation to levels of activity. Organisational changes are unavoidable
and in some situations will lead to employees becoming redundant. When such situations
arise, the Social Charter provides proper guidance, based on an individual approach aimed
at finding the best possible solution for each employee.
In its CBA, Rabo Real Estate Group agreed to an employability arrangement, under which
employees can transfer down to a position to ensure they remain employable in future.
A study of employability was also launched at Rabo Real Estate Group in 2010.
Absenteeism due to illness
At 3.8%, the rate of absenteeism in 2010 was fractionally higher than in 2009 (3.7%).
Absenteeism is monitored and analysed by the Rabobank Group Occupational Health and
Safety Service. We try to help incapacitated employees return to work on a full-time or
part-time basis as soon as possible by providing them with support during their absence
and as part of their re-integration. Employees and managers have given the level of support
a score of 7.6.
Healthy banking in turbulent times
The Rabobank Group Occupational Health and Safety Service continued to focus on promoting
the health of our organisation in 2010. The policy is aimed at reducing absenteeism due to
illness, ensuring healthy, safe working conditions, and promoting health. Current market
conditions and budgetary measures are putting employees and managers under extra pressure,
increasing the risk of stress-related illnesses. To combat this, the 'Healthy banking in turbulent
times' action plan was launched. This plan consists of an awareness campaign, workshops for
managers, and theme discussions in various consultation forums.
Employee satisfaction
A total of 86% of employees of Rabobank Nederland and the local Rabobanks who took part
in the periodic satisfaction survey in 2010 said that they were satisfied. Employees of Rabo
Real Estate Group participated in an employee and integrity survey in 2010. The response rate
was 80%, which is very high compared to the national average of 67%. Rabo Real Estate Group
received a score of 7.7 for employee satisfaction. In 2010, De Lage Landen conducted a global
engagement survey among its employees.
Health at work
The new 'Unplugged' style of working means that mobile equipment is used by employees
to an increasing extent. Not enough use is made of ergonomie tools, even though plenty are
17 Musculoskeletal disorders (msds) available. Complaints related to musculoskeletal disorders17 are increasing as a result. For this
typically affect the neck, shoulder reason, in 2010 the Health and Safety Service launched its 'Looking at work' campaign, which
and/or upper limbs. focuses on healthy mobile working.
82
Annual Report 2010 Rabobank Group
