The Bank of Cyprus claimed two prestigious Gold Awards at Bousias’ Cyprus HR Awards for 2023, according to an announcement released on Tuesday.

The bank was awarded ‘Best Change Management Strategy & Initiative’, as well as ‘Best Partnership with Educational Institutions, showcasing its innovative approach to internal engagement and staff development.

The bank’s first Gold Award recognised the organisation’s ‘Think Tank’ initiative, the bank’s inaugural internal innovation competition for the banking sector.

Through the slogan “The best ideas live among us – Let’s banking do it!”, the Bank of Cyprus invited its employees to present creative solutions, with the aim of enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.

This initiative awarded the three best ideas, which are currently undergoing implementation. 

The second Gold Award celebrated the establishment of the BoC Academy, a centre of knowledge designed to upskill and reskill bank employees.

Partnering with both local and international academic and professional institutions, the academy has already launched its second cycle, introducing new programmes and collaborations to strengthen staff capabilities. 

Both award-winning initiatives emerged from staff suggestions, underlining the bank’s commitment to a culture of collaboration and empowerment. 

Yiannis Ioannou, Manager of People and CEO Office, said that “it is a great honour to receive this year’s awards and an even greater pleasure to see our own people’s satisfaction in seeing their own suggestions put into practice”.

“We will continue to design and implement actions that encourage, strengthen, and develop our people professionally and personally,” he added.

“The success of these initiatives confirms our people’s talent and their appetite for innovation, learning, and growth,” Ioannou concluded.