UPDATE: ANZ’s new CEO, Nuno Matos, has just announced a major shift in the bank’s operational culture, demanding that all staff limit presentations to a maximum of five pages. This directive aims to enhance efficiency and respect employee time, marking a significant transformation under Matos, who took over leadership in May 2023.
In a company-wide email sent on July 15, Matos emphasized the need for focused communication, stating, “Limiting the number of pages helps ensure messages are focused … plus it shows respect for everyone’s time.” Presentations must now include essential components: an introduction, a problem or opportunity, a proposed solution, supporting evidence, and next steps. He encouraged employees to convey their messages even more succinctly if possible.
Matos is also instituting new meeting protocols. Every meeting, committee, or forum must now have a clear purpose and agenda shared in advance, with stated desired outcomes at the beginning and defined action items and deadlines at the end. He noted, “I’m sure many of you agree we have significant opportunities to win but also smaller opportunities to improve the way we work.”
The changes come as Matos seeks to address concerns about the bank’s previous culture of lengthy presentations and inefficient meetings. According to employees who spoke anonymously, the response to the new guidelines has been mixed. While some welcome the reduction in hours-long meetings and the emphasis on concise communication, others are apprehensive about the pressure to deliver impactful messages within strict limits.
Matos reassured staff that these adjustments, while seemingly minor, will enhance workflow and free up valuable time. He also expressed his openness to feedback through the bank’s internal platform, Viva Engage.
A spokesperson for ANZ confirmed that the bank is prioritizing operational efficiency and streamlining communications to drive better decision-making. “We are starting with clearer, more concise communications and meetings that respect time and drive better decisions,” the spokesperson stated.
As ANZ embarks on this cultural overhaul, the banking industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact employee engagement and operational efficiency in the coming months.
