Rising Numbers: An Alarming Increase in Reports

In 2025, banks across Italy find themselves in the spotlight as ‘budget sickness’ becomes a major concern. From 323 reports in 2024, this phenomenon saw a worrying increase to 480 cases by just the first nine months of the year. According to Il Sole 24 ORE, these statistics cover major banks, including Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, Bper, Banco Bpm, and Credit Agricole Italia, representing a significant portion of Italy’s banking sector.

Behind the Numbers: A Growing Phenomenon to Watch

As numbers rise, it’s crucial to understand the mechanisms at play. Reports often emerge from within the banks’ own established channels before being formalized. Fulvio Furlan of the Uilca banking union points out that pressure complaints often go unrecorded, resolving informally unless tensions escalate.

The Dynamics of Reporting: Anonymity and Union Roles

Ensuring anonymity for whistleblowers is key in these processes, but anonymity must be diligently preserved without compromising the legitimacy of the reports. The union’s involvement becomes paramount, offering a channel for employees too cautious to report directly, thus safeguarding their privacy and interests.

Product Push: The Pressure to Perform

National data highlights growing commercial pressures as banks seek revenue amidst falling interest rates, pushing financial instruments. This renewed ‘product push’ has intensified fears within branches and exposed employees to undue strain as financial targets become increasingly aggressive.

The Stress of Work: Health Implications for Bank Workers

Work-related stress encompasses the psychophysical strain that workers face when organizational demands surpass their capabilities. The banking sector, with its frequent product campaigns and staff reductions, exacerbates these pressures, pointing to a need for comprehensive reviews through surveys and steering committee assessments.

The Way Forward: Addressing Bank Climates

As tensions rise, addressing the work environment and operational expectations within banks becomes vital. With a scheduled meeting on 16 December, stakeholders hope to hash out strategies to better assess and improve employee well-being on a national level, underlining the importance of acknowledging and tackling budget sickness in the finance industry.