Partnership for progress – what makes VP Bank special as an employer

Marcel, you have been with VP Bank for many years in various roles and at different sites. What makes the bank special for you as an employer?

That's right. I've been with VP Bank for seven years. After managing the Zurich location from 2011 to 2014, I returned in 2021 with complete conviction. Why? Because of the culture, the strong positioning and the entrepreneurial and personal potential. Knowing each other personally, not just being a number, and the open doors across all sites motivate me every day. Questions are taken seriously, suggestions are listened to, and solutions are developed together. It's still far from perfect, but this attitude is noticeable in conversations and in the corridors.

The three long-term anchor shareholders provide stability and support. What is particularly unusual – and atypical for the banking world – is that our largest shareholder is a charitable foundation that uses its dividends for charitable purposes. The responsible thinking of our founder Guido Feger, with a strong social focus and genuine appreciation for employees, continues to shape our culture to this day. Our purpose, "Partnership for progress", reflects this and keeps this legacy alive.

Philipp, what do you hear from applicants about VP Bank?

VP Bank stands out in a positive way. Many appreciate the personal and respectful treatment they receive throughout the application process. We treat people as equals, communicate clearly and use every encounter as an opportunity to learn from each other. This continues seamlessly during the induction and integration into the team.

When it comes to our attractiveness as an employer, three matters are mentioned particularly often: Firstly, the tasks are varied and often generalist in nature. Those who work for us play an active role in shaping the bank, take on responsibility and can make a difference. Secondly, we offer room for development and prospects at all levels. Thirdly, our reputation. From the very first interview and later in everyday working life, we stand for a cooperative partnership based on trust, openness and mutual respect.

Marcel, you already mentioned that VP Bank's purpose is "Partnership for progress". What does that mean for employees in concrete terms?

It means that we as a bank want to grow together with our employees. Partnership is more than just good cooperation; it is a mutual commitment. Those who embrace it bring trust, listen, think along and actively shape the future. But trust does not arise by itself. It requires exchange, openness to other opinions and a willingness to take responsibility.

We promote this partnership-based growth in very concrete ways: through a culture of appreciation, open feedback, targeted training for employees and managers, and the opportunity to take on new tasks. Genuine partnership is the basis for our success and grows with everyone who gets involved.

Our clients rightly expect the best solutions, and these are created when all competencies come together. At VP Bank, we sit down together, often with clients, and develop solutions that really move things forward. This benefits everyone, both professionally and personally.

Philipp, how is this cross-departmental collaboration specifically promoted?

Marcel has already mentioned it: for us, partnership-based on cooperation is not just a buzzword, but part of our everyday life. Flat hierarchies and short communication channels facilitate exchange between teams and sites. We create spaces for encounters – both physical and digital – and encourage dialogue because we know that the best ideas come from conversation. Those who understand what others do can make a meaningful contribution. This is precisely what makes our partnership-based approach so valuable for us and our clients.

Marcel, you say that the bank itself also benefits from this attitude?

Absolutely. The partnership-based approach strengthens the trust of our clients, improves internal processes and increases effectiveness and efficiency. We empower our employees to master new challenges more quickly and effectively. Our goal is to attract and promote committed talent and make them successful in the long term, both personally and professionally. And that has a direct impact on our company's success.

Finally, one more question for you, Philipp: In which direction would you like VP Bank to develop as an employer?

We are a bank with a human touch. A bank that combines stability with openness, professionalism with empathy and ambition with appreciation. Because we are convinced that people who feel comfortable are more motivated, more committed and more involved. That is precisely what makes us successful.

In a world that is becoming increasingly fast-paced and complex, we consciously focus on closeness, trust and mutual appreciation. Or quite simply: a partnership for progress. This is how we create an environment that attracts talented individuals who are looking for more than just a job. People who want to grow with us, get stuck in, contribute their ideas and move forward.