The successful business model of Kreissparkasse Köln, one of Germany’s largest savings banks, is based on strong regional roots. The bank’s more than 3,700 employees have a close connection to local people and companies, providing customers with a responsive, high-quality service in person or via digital media. *One of the reasons the team does this so well is because it is adept at using the latest technology. KSK is working closely with CHG-MERIDIAN to promote the digital skills of its employees even when they are not at work, while also showing its appreciation for its workforce.
KSK Köln has won many awards as an attractive employer. Maintaining such a positive image is particularly important when there is a shortage of skilled workers, and when it comes to appealing to and retaining talented individuals. With this in mind, the management team picked up on its employees’ interest in a benefits program. Employees have access to a platform on which they can acquire digital devices that they can use privately without this being classed as a taxable benefit. The idea is to increase employee satisfaction and productivity by enabling them to select digital devices that make their work easier or offer added value for family and leisure time. CHG-MERIDIAN’s employer benefit solution was preferred over several competitor offerings.
Depending on the requirements, we combine various asset, financing, and service elements into a tailor-made solution.
Our made-to-measure solution for KSK Köln:
A total of 750 models, including the entire Apple and Samsung range, are available across 13 device categories, from smartphones and tablets to monitors and keyboards. Employees can place an order via a platform that is as easy to use as an online shop. KSK Köln then leases the selected devices from CHG-MERIDIAN, with the monthly installments deducted from the employee’s gross salary.
The benefits program, which is cost-neutral for the company, is subsidized by KSK Köln with €30 every month for initial orders. While this is unusual, it reflects just how important promoting a digital mindset and motivating employees is to the bank. The additional bonus increases the tax benefit and makes the latest IT equipment even more affordable for employees and their families. A third of the workforce made use of the benefits program right from the outset. This exceptionally high figure shows that the solution is popular and appeals to the entire KSK team. Participation in comparable programs is usually below 10 percent. Despite this popularity, the HR department does not need to devote a lot of time and effort to running the program. One reason is that there are only two order windows a year, another is that CHG-MERIDIAN offers an end-to-end service with automated processes that keeps administrative tasks to a minimum.
The solution from CHG-MERIDIAN enhances KSK Köln’s positive employer branding in the war for talent. The wide choice of state-of-the-art equipment is hugely popular with the workforce, while the internal outlay and administrative effort is minimal thanks to the solution’s simple functionality and payment logic.
