Credit Agricole created space to support veterans and conscripted employees

Credit Agricole cares for its employees, therefore it has created a space where conscripted and demobilized employees feel supported, respected and are afforded decent working conditions.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Credit Agricole allocated UAH 60.5 million towards the average salary and additional payments for conscripted employees. They remain part of the team, so their jobs are secure, they also keep medical insurance, mental health and legal counselling for employees and their families is available.

Financial support is only part of the bank’s initiatives. At Credit Agricole, there are internal policies in effect that are part of social responsibility and a characteristic of a supportive employer. They provide for specialized programs, grant access to benefits, special opportunities and promote professional integration of veterans in the civilian life, as well as professional growth. The bank has signed the Charter for Financial Inclusion and Reintegration of Veterans, approved the Veterans Support Policy, and appointed a coordinator to work with military people and veterans.

The bank’s portal also features a dedicated page for soldiers and veterans. The employees regularly take trainings on tolerance and barrier-free communication, a special corporate guidebook on barrier-free communication has been developed and put into effect. 

“To date, 59 of our team members defend Ukraine in the Armed Forces, so the issue of veteran integration is very relevant for us, just like for other socially responsible businesses. Among others, it is very important to adapt the society to interacting with veterans and accepting them. It is the matter of creating the culture of inclusivity within the society as a whole. It is a complicated task that requires investment of resources and time, which we keep doing, as dripping water wears away a stone”, - comments Olena Urusova, HR Director at Credit Agricole.

Credit Agricole also supports veterans, their families and those affected by the war as part of charitable initiatives by the bank and the international Group:

• Program of the “True Care” Foundation – employees can ask for assistance for medical treatment for themselves or their next of kin.
• “Supporting the Family” is charitable assistance for employees and their next of kin due to hostilities on the territory of Ukraine.
• “Sweet Home” program is charitable assistance aimed at social support of employees who found themselves in the difficult circumstances due to the armed aggression inflicted by the russian federation.

The bank also supports families of conscripted employees and pays financial aid to the family of a mobilized employee in the event of his/her death.

After demobilization, Credit Agricole offers flexible working hours, remote work option, opportunity to learn new skills by participating in various training projects and social initiatives by the bank.

We believe that barrier-free environment starts with trust and dialogue. Moreover, we are creating the space for it together with those who defend the country and those next to us every day.