BisB Embraces Work-from-Home to Safeguard Employees

Following the directives of the Government encouraging caution and social distancing, and in line with its continuous efforts to safeguard the well-being of its employees during this period of uncertainty, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has instructed over 60% of its employees to work from home. This precautionary measure was executed gradually in an effort to shield both staff and customers from any potential health risk, while ensuring smooth business operations.

BisB’s work-from-home policy prioritised all mothers, pregnant women and those who are caring for elderly family members at home, while critical business functions were also strategically segregated and given secure capabilities to work remotely.

Commenting on this move, Mr. Hassan Amin Jarrar, Chief Executive Officer of BisB said, “We have embraced the work-from-home approach because the health and safety of our staff and customers is our primary concern. We appreciate that the current situation has put a lot of strain on all of our staff members, causing worry, uncertainty and concern. We have been vigilant in our efforts to keep our people safe, informed, and better prepared by deploying all necessary pre-emptive measures to avert any possible risk, while making sure that we keep our business running efficiently to assist our customers.”

BisB has also implemented additional precautionary measures such as cancelling all business trips, implementing a strict sanitisation regimen across the headquarters, branches and financial malls, fitting all common areas with disinfectants, providing all customer-facing staff with personal protective kits, and reducing branch timings. In addition, the Bank has been active in circulating internal awareness communications to keep staff informed on how to better protect themselves, and what measures to take should anyone become infected with the virus or come into contact with an infected person.

A decision was also made to temporarily close the Bank’s Budaiya branch, as well as postponing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to April 19th, with the AGM set to be conducted through video conferencing for the first time in the Bank’s history.

Mr. Jarrar added, “We are extremely thankful for the admirable steps taken by the Government to maintain the well-being of all citizens, residents and businesses. We consider it our responsibility to play our part to further enhance these efforts, and urge all of our valued customers to stay home and utilise the Bank's digital platforms to conduct their banking transactions, to avoid becoming a risk to themselves, their families and the wider community.