State Bank of India is planning a sweeping revamp of its human resources strategy to address rising workplace stress and changing employee expectations across its 2,45,000-strong workforce.
Amongst the country’s largest lenders, SBI has floated a call for bids to redesign its employee- wellness programme. It wants a service provider to build a confidential support system where individual-level data is not shared with management or HR, except where required by law. A key part of the plan is a crisis and emergency response framework that gives immediate help to employees facing acute psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, or major life events.
The push comes as SBI adapts to generational shifts and rapid digital transformation in banking. The bank noted that newer entrants, both clerical and probationary officers, view careers as opportunity-based rather than lifelong commitments. That has made structured career development and faster integration more important.
The HR reset also targets modernisation. The bank is moving to digitise recruitment with AI-enabled tools for screening, interviewing and onboarding. It plans to benchmark its talent-acquisition practices against peers to plug gaps and leverage technology better. The goal is an Employee Life Cycle Management framework that covers every stage from attraction to post-retirement transition.
As per media reports, executives said the change is driven by growing demand for inclusive, agile, and purpose-driven workplaces. With competition intensifying in retail, industry, and agri lending, SBI is also hiring more specialists in risk, digital, and cyber management, and focusing on reskilling existing staff.
The overhaul reflects SBI’s effort to balance productivity with employee satisfaction as banking becomes more tech-driven and fast-paced.
