EBL Nest: a hotbed of creativity

As is common in big institutions, ideas of those lower down the hierarchy tend to get lost.

But that is not the case at Eastern Bank Ltd (EBL), which has created a platform where all employees can raise problems and find solutions.

A brainchild of EBL's current managing director, Ali Reza Iftekhar, the bank describes the platform as a centre for idea generation and innovation, one where the various departments can interact, one where people can come of their silos and get a sense of belonging.

The traditional concept of office space has totally been reworked with the EBL Nest, Iftekhar said.

"The idea is to give everyone a chance to share their views without any fear and take part in the organisation's overall development. We strongly believe that it is people who make the difference between organisations. There is no blame game once you are in the Nest."

It is an informal training place where a group of 12-15 employees from different departments and positions come for a week.

The participants share and discuss the challenges of day-to-day operations and try to find a solution collectively as well as individually.

An 'uncut version' is prepared comprising each and every idea or opinion or suggestion of the participants.

The bank management then edits the ideas and decides which they will implement in the short-term, which in the mid-term and which in the long run.

Since the introduction of the Nest in January last year, some 350 employees took part in 19 sessions at the centre, which is located at Swadhinata Bhaban in Motijheel.

The participants have so far given around 635 ideas, opinions and suggestions. As of now, some 35 IT-related issues are in the implementing stage.

From sitting arrangements to floor design, every possible concept of traditional office space has been challenged to create an ambience that is cosy and inspiring. Here, there is no typical 'rules and regulations', but it follows certain Nest ways.

There is a little box called 'the silent chamber' and participants are required to switch off their mobiles and deposit them in that box.

Once the participants enter the Nest, they are virtually cut off from the outside world. There is no wall clock; a bell is rung for lunch or snacks breaks.

"The Nest is a capacity enhancement centre. Each and every employee including myself will have to go to the Nest by turns," Iftekhar added.