Secure Trust Bank embarked upon a journey of digital transformation aimed at redefining its approach to the modern workspace. Central to this initiative was the underutilised potential within their Microsoft 365 (M365) suite, particularly the premium features that were not being leveraged to their full capacity.

This case study offers an in-depth exploration into the challenges, strategies, and triumphs of Secure Trust Bank’s digital transformation, accentuating the critical role played by Viva platforms and an overarching strategy of comprehensive stakeholder engagement to cultivate a more collaborative and efficient working environment.

The Challenge

Prior to our consultancy, Secure Trust Bank’s utilisation of its M365 licences, including those of the premium variety, was less than optimal. Although the bank had initiated a move towards Viva Connect, this transition was met with a level of adaptation that was still in its nascent stages. The ambition to enhance internal communication and collaboration through the Viva Engage and the broader Viva platform was clear, yet a palpable lack of familiarity with the premium licences’ benefits meant the bank was missing out on exploiting these digital tools to their full extent.

The Engagement

The collaboration with us was initiated through Softcat, signifying the start of a pivotal partnership aimed at fulfilling the bank’s digital ambitions. The Adoption and Change Management (ACM) project was initially centred on harnessing the Viva platform to its fullest. As the project unfolded, its scope broadened to encompass a more extensive utilisation of the M365 suite, integrating strategies for a comprehensive digital adoption.

A Tailored Approach to Training

A fundamental aspect of our approach was the in-depth engagement with executive sponsors and pivotal stakeholders. Achieving a training attendance rate of 75% stood as a testament to the effectiveness of our engagement strategies, significantly surpassing standard expectations and highlighting the successful uptake of new practices throughout Secure Trust Bank.

Well-being focus

A standout feature of this digital transformation project was the emphasis on employee well-being, directly addressing the observed decline in well-being scores among the staff. By introducing Viva Insights and showcasing tools aimed at enhancing time management and efficiency, we targeted an improvement in overall employee well-being. A unique 30-day well-being initiative was launched, creating teams for a step-counting challenge through a custom app on Viva Engage.

This initiative not only promoted physical activity but also culminated in a dedicated well-being day, featuring online classes led by experts from Nuffield Health. This focus on well-being aligns with the finance industry’s broader trends, demonstrating a growing commitment to fostering a supportive and satisfying work environment for employees.

There was a lot to cover on a subject that could be quite dry. The way Changing Social navigated the subject matter was up beat and engaging. Thank you for making the learning easy!

Paul Blewitt, Secure Trust Bank

The Impact

The project’s fruition brought about notable advancements, including a surge in Viva Engage usage and a heightened awareness and application of M365 and Teams. Although email usage remained unchanged, a discernible shift towards collaborative work practices was observed, signalling a pivotal step in the bank’s digital evolution.

The Future Ahead

The feedback from the organisation’s users was overwhelmingly positive, with a particular emphasis on the value of practical training sessions. Moving forward, Secure Trust Bank plans to capitalise on the ‘Champions’ from the early adopter programme to sustain and amplify the digital transformation efforts. The exploration of Viva Amplify and Viva Learning is underway, reflecting the bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.