Staffing Requirements for Operating a Safe Branch
Credit: Thompson Consulting, LLC | P.O. Box 5303, Oswego, NY 13126
Question: I have been in your class when you stated that a branch shouldn’t be operated with less than four people. Our CEO states we have to be reasonable, if the branch doesn’t have the deposit or loan base, we must reduce staffing to one or two people. What is the reasoning for staffing with four people?
Answer: Adequate staffing is essential for ensuring the safety and security of both customers and employees in a bank branch. Best practice dictates that a branch must be operated with a minimum of four staff members. This staffing level allows for proper coverage during daily operations and mitigates potential risks that could arise due to understaffing.
- Ensuring Safety on the Banking Floor: It is recommended to have at least two people visibly present on the banking floor at all times during the banking day. This practice enhances
customer service and also acts as a safety measure, as employees can assist each other in case of emergencies. - Mitigating Understaffing Risks: Having four staff members provides a buffer to handle unforeseen situations, such as someone calling in sick or another staff member being off for training. Understaffing can create vulnerabilities, offering potential opportunities for criminals to target the branch and endanger both customers and staff.
- Reducing Vulnerability to Criminal Activities: With two members on the banking floor, one person may have to leave the premises for lunch or attend to other duties, leaving only one employee present. This scenario increases the risk of criminal activities, as perpetrators might take advantage of such situations to plan and execute robberies or scams.
- Lessons Learned from Previous Incidents: There have been unfortunate incidents where banks operating with insufficient staff became targets for criminal groups. Tragic consequences, such as staff fatalities, have occurred due to limited personnel at the branch. Having a minimum of four staff members will help avoid such situations in the future.
Conclusion: Operating a bank branch with a minimum of four staff members is not only a best practice but a crucial safety measure. It allows for proper coverage, mitigates the risks of under staffing, and significantly reduces the vulnerability to criminal activities. Ensuring a safe environment for both employees and customers should be a top priority for every bank, and maintaining an appropriate staffing level is a fundamental step towards achieving that goal. If the financial institution cannot do this, you should consider staffing this location with ITMs. In the long run cost for the branch will be reduced as you are not paying benefits or salary to the ITM.
As for being reasonable, let the CEO explain to the court what the price of a human life is worth, and document that you have had this discussion with management.
