Business: Meet a Banker at Chase Bank in WA

What changes have you seen in your day to day schedule?

Our hours got cut for the past few months and my schedule was more irregular. However, it’s picking back up and we’re back to normal hours. The personal bankers were not allowed to work at the branches so we only operated with partial staff.

What changes has your workplace made to protect everyone’s safety?

Chase put in plexiglass screens for droplet protection, we wear masks and gloves when assisting clients.

How have customers reacted to the changes?

Most customers were upset that our personal bankers were not working and a lot of our services were ceased, although these reactions may have varied within each branch.

What changes do you see coming in the future relating to your workplace?

We will probably continue to have the extra cleaning procedures, social distancing, and I’m guessing less customers physically coming to the branch.

What changes do you see coming in the future relating to your workplace?

We will probably continue to have the extra cleaning procedures, social distancing, and I’m guessing less customers physically coming to the branch.

What changes do you see yourself making in your own life relating to COVID-19?

I am going to be more conscious about where I go and what I do. I used to go out to eat a lot but that will probably change, and my social life will most likely change as well. I’ll be sure to be more careful when going out and make sure I protect myself and my family.

Has Chase made a statement regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement?

Yes, I’m proud to work for a company that has shown a lot of support to the BLM movement and the protests. Chase has made multiple statements about their solidarity with their Black employees as well.

"I’m proud to work for a company that has shown a lot of support to the BLM movement and the protests."

How do you feel about the Black lives matter movement?

I am angry that this even has to happen, there is a lot of racial injustice that needs to be fixed. We have a long way to go and I will be fighting alongside my Black peers until they no longer have to fear their lives because of their skin color.

What changes do you want to see made in the police force?

I believe a reform should happen--police officers need more training and should take more accountability for themselves and their coworkers.

How have you been keeping your mental health well?

After work, I like to play video games and hang out with my dog. It’s been stressful but I’m lucky to say I’ve had it better than others.

What are you looking forward to most when life comes to normal?

I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and family and being able to go on vacation again.

If your kids asked about what you did that was most important during these times, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them that I was an essential worker and that I went to work everyday knowing I could be exposed. I know a banker does not seem important but they were essential during these times. This is the same for grocery store workers, janitors, of course, healthcare professionals and first responders.

"...bankers [do] not seem important but they were essential during these times. This is the same for grocery store workers, janitors, of course, healthcare professionals and first responders."

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone if they were looking?

Learn to let go of things that aren’t important, life is short and this pandemic proves how much we need to value each other.