The study, conducted in Bandung and published in Volume 4, Issue 1 of IJMBI, comes at a time when banks are under pressure to modernize operations while maintaining trust and compliance. In this environment, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient. Employers increasingly seek professionals who can communicate effectively, adapt to stress, and uphold professional integrity.
Why Work Readiness Matters in Modern Banking
The financial sector plays a central role in economic stability. Banks manage public funds, facilitate investment, and ensure liquidity in the broader economy. In recent years, digital banking platforms, fintech innovation, and evolving regulatory frameworks have reshaped how financial services operate.
Young employees dominate entry-level and junior positions in this sector. While they tend to adapt quickly to digital systems, many face challenges in workplace communication, stress management, and professional discipline. Limited readiness can lead to lower productivity, higher turnover, and reduced service quality.
According to Riffka Fauzany of ICB Pajajaran Polytechnic, work readiness in banking is multidimensional. It includes not only technical knowledge of financial systems but also emotional stability, ethical awareness, and interpersonal competence.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a qualitative descriptive design. Fauzany and Azizah involved 20 young employees aged 20 to 35 from banking institutions in Bandung. Each participant had at least one year of work experience.
Data were gathered through:
- In-depth interviews
- Non-participant observation
- Document analysis
The researchers then applied thematic analysis to identify patterns across participant experiences. This approach allowed them to explore how interpersonal skills and resilience interact in real workplace settings.
Key Findings: Three Interconnected Dimensions
The study identifies three major themes that explain how work readiness develops among young banking employees.
1. Interpersonal Skills Accelerate Workplace Adaptation
Participants consistently emphasized the importance of effective communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Employees who demonstrated strong interpersonal skills were better able to:
- Communicate clearly with supervisors and colleagues
- Minimize misunderstandings
- Handle customer complaints professionally
- Integrate into organizational culture
In banking, where trust and service quality are critical, interpersonal competence directly influences client satisfaction. Employees with stronger communication skills appeared more confident and more capable of managing diverse customer interactions.
The research also found that teamwork contributed significantly to professional growth. Collaboration with senior colleagues helped younger employees build confidence and refine their performance.
2. Work Resilience Supports Stability Under Pressure
The banking sector is characterized by performance targets, compliance demands, and time pressure. Many participants described feeling anxious during their first year of employment.
Resilience emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining performance. Resilient employees were more likely to:
- Regulate emotions during high-pressure periods
- View mistakes as learning opportunities
- Maintain motivation despite setbacks
- Adapt to regulatory or procedural changes
Support from supervisors and mentoring programs also strengthened resilience. Constructive feedback and organizational encouragement reduced stress and increased job satisfaction.
Nur Azizah of ICB Pajajaran Polytechnic notes that resilience is shaped by both personal mindset and organizational culture. A supportive work environment significantly enhances employees’ psychological endurance.
3. Work Readiness Is an Integration of Skills and Attitude
Participants defined work readiness as a combination of:
- Technical competence in banking systems and regulations
- Psychological confidence and emotional stability
- Professional discipline, integrity, and responsibility
Employees who possessed both interpersonal skills and resilience demonstrated higher initiative and stronger professional commitment. Performance evaluations and internal documentation confirmed that these employees often received more positive assessments.
The research clearly shows that work readiness is not a single attribute. It is the result of interaction between social capability, psychological strength, and technical expertise.
The Synergy Between Interpersonal Skills and Resilience
One of the most significant findings is the reciprocal relationship between interpersonal skills and resilience.
Strong interpersonal relationships create social support networks at work. These networks enhance emotional well-being and reinforce resilience. In turn, resilient employees tend to maintain positive attitudes, which further strengthen workplace relationships.
As Riffka Fauzany explains, “Interpersonal competence and resilience form a mutually reinforcing foundation that strengthens confidence, adaptability, and professional commitment among young employees in the financial sector.” This insight underscores the strategic value of soft skills in human resource development.
Implications for Industry and Education
The findings carry important implications for financial institutions and educational institutions alike.
For banks and financial organizations:
- Human resource programs should integrate technical training with soft skills development.
- Mentoring systems and structured feedback should be strengthened.
- Stress management and resilience workshops can enhance long-term performance.
For universities and vocational institutions:
- Curricula should incorporate teamwork-based learning.
- Emotional intelligence training should complement technical instruction.
- Internship programs should emphasize professional communication and adaptability.
The research suggests that investing in holistic employee development can reduce turnover, improve service quality, and strengthen institutional resilience.
Broader Impact
In a rapidly digitizing economy, sustainable workforce development depends on more than technical expertise. The study by Riffka Fauzany and Nur Azizah from ICB Pajajaran Polytechnic reinforces a critical message: young professionals in banking must balance competence with character.
As regulatory complexity and technological innovation continue to reshape finance, organizations that prioritize interpersonal skills and resilience may achieve stronger employee engagement and long-term competitiveness.
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