How Spuerkeess is rethinking the role of HR in banking
With a bold, technology-supported approach to internal mobility and people development, the bank Spuerkeess is setting new standards in employee retention. At the heart of this is an HR initiative that has not only changed processes, but also created a new culture.
“Our vision was clear: internal mobility should not just be an administrative act, but a living part of our corporate culture,” says Sandra Schengen, Head of HR & People Management at Spuerkeess, describing the motivation behind the project. The aim was not only to give employees transparency about open roles. But also to show them real development opportunities regardless of their current position.
A first milestone on this path was the bank’s internal job fair launched in 2024; over 250 employees, 25 participating departments and more than 30 workshops turned the event into a lively marketplace for exchange, inspiration and perspectives.
Linking existing potential and roles with the help of AI
A central element of the project: employees were able to use AI-supported personality diagnostics to gain new insights into their individual personality traits and corresponding skills. Characteristics such as resilience, agility, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial thinking were made visible, not as an assessment but as an invitation to reflect. Many participants took the opportunity to compare the results specifically with career paths within the bank. Employees found the combination of technological precision and an open and engaging exchange to be particularly valuable.
The new strong role of HR
However, the initiative not only had an impact on employees. It also strengthened the HR department itself. It is now more visible, strategic and modern than ever before. The systematic integration of AI has enabled HR to position itself as a partner at eye level for managers and employees.
From trade fair to approach
What began as a one-off event has become the starting point for a broader change. Today, Spuerkeess uses AI-based personality diagnostics in key areas: in the selection of new talent, in leadership development and in coaching. What is important here is that the technology is used responsibly and in line with the bank’s values. That is: data protection-compliant, ISO-certified and EU-hosted.
Technology that serves employees
What Spuerkeess is showing with this initiative can also serve as inspiration for others. It’s not about digitalization and AI for its own sake. It’s about using the right tools and the right attitude to create a more human, appreciative working environment in which people can make the most of their personalities and skills. “When we give our employees the right tools, they not only discover new roles, they also discover themselves. And that’s where the real potential of our time lies,” says Sandra Schengen.
What companies would never learn about their employees without AI
73% of all talents are ready to make a move – but only if you do!
