From policy to practice: how bKash HR supports employee wellbeing

Abstract

In this internship report, I will discuss how bKash Limited can convert its HR policies into viable programs that facilitate employee health. The report is conducted as a culmination project of the Bachelor of Business Administration course at BRAC University and the report is based on a three-month internship in the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) Division of bKash, under the Commercial Department. Throughout the internship, I played an active role in different HR activities such as coordination of recruitment, facilitating assessments, employee engagement, documentation, and providing logistical support. The project component of the report assesses the performance of the wellbeing programs of bKash, including the flexibility of its working arrangements, medical coverage, awareness of mental health, and development opportunities. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixed-method data through questionnaires of 20 employees was used in data collection. Results indicate that the majority of employees are satisfied with the current HR activities, but there remains a space to improve in other aspects such as preventing burnout, work environment, and skills training. The problems that are considered important during the internship are related to a lack of technical training, branding and visibility of the intern, redundant work. The report outlines these gaps with a series of strategic suggestions including the implementation of a holistic wellbeing framework, flexible working, mentorship programs (such as b-Elevate) and career development routes. The report recommends that bKash has already achieved a lot regarding its ability to develop a favorable work environment, but the specific improvements identified through the employee feedback and the comparison with the industry best practices would help the company become an example of an employer in the fintech industry.