Pros
- Additional employee benefits such as free counselling and legal assistance. - New starter orientation is second to none and you are surrounded by hard working people in a vibrant and energetic environment. - There is a unique corporate culture which for the most part is reflected in the employees. - The food is great. - Friday drinks are always a plus and the bank loosens the purse-strings often for team activities as well as upgrading of general surrounds.
Cons
- The pay lags behind industry norms and hard work is often not recognized. - Salary is by percentage increase as opposed to restructures for internal moves regardless of the career jump or responsibility undertaken (e.g. from from admin clerks to front office). Hence if you were on the lower spectrum, you remain there for a considerable amount of time despite your colleagues earning more doing the same job. - Your mandatory medical aid is not subsidized. - There is also no transparency from management with regard to decisions directly affecting employees. - Internal politics can affect your career progression if you are not in the relevant circles. - Management often also pays lip-service to culture and in some instances your career progression is at the mercy of managers who can unilaterally block internal moves.