Meet the host of our Agile Working Think Tank, Matt Sanderson, who’s running a session with us around using flexible working to drive productivity and retain staff in the changing landscape of employment.
For more information on the agile working Think Tank, taking place on 7th March, click here.
1. What does it feel like to work at RBS?
RBS feels exciting. We have gone from being one of the biggest banks in the world to going through financial crisis and then considerable efforts to recover. We’re really starting to see the results of the transition. We have a very clear purpose and vision which is articulated by CEO and felt through the entire business.
2. What do you do to enjoy a positive work/life balance?
The whole business has a big focus on wellbeing. We do a lot around CSR days and ‘mindfulness in meetings’. For example at the start of our meetings we hold a ‘mindfulness minute’, sitting for 60 seconds in silence to clear our thoughts. It helps promote clarity of focus and enhances the productivity of our meetings. From a personal perspective, I work from home two days a week to help my wife with nursery collections and home life.
3. What’s your greatest success to date in your role at RBS?
It’s got to be the opportunity to transition between a number of different roles within the same business. Given the scale of RBS, I have been fortunate enough to undertake two very different careers with the same employer and have been supported by RBS to be a relative success in both!
4. What’s the first thing you do in the morning to set your day up for success?
Other than changing my son, Archie’s, nappy(!); I review my diary for the day. I am most successful when working to a weekly and 90 day plan which I regularly review and reference on a daily basis. For me this helps with reducing anxiety around workload and gives me the confidence to say no and push back to things that don’t tie into my quarterly objects.
5. What books or articles have you read recently that have inspired you?
I am a big fan of the author Danny Wallace and found his book ‘Yes Man’ particularly inspiring. It really encourages you to say ‘yes’ to things and open yourself up to new possibilities. Of course the irony is not lost on me that I responded to the previous question citing my contentment in being able to also say ‘no’!
6. Favourite technology hack you’d recommend to your peers?
Trello! What’s not to like? Get it on your phone and link it to you PC. It enables you to be really specific about the actions you need to take to achieve to results you need to. And on a personal level, a shared calendar with your partner is a must-have!
If you’re interested in becoming a member of our HR Think Tank Series community please click the link below.
