The Savings Banks Webtalks #2/23:
"Brave new world of value-added accounts"

"The decision to gradually replace the existing current account model with a new account family was a long process," Helge reports at the beginning. It was triggered by the idea of getting even closer to the people in the Dithmarschen and Steinburg regions and making their lives easier and more convenient by providing useful services and benefits in addition to the tried-and-tested account and banking services. Helge and his team approached Mehrwerk with this wish and together they thought about what an advantage account should offer in order to convince not only customers, but also regional companies and employees. During this process, the idea of the "Watt mehr" account grew, which not only expresses the regional connection with its sonorous name, but also describes the function of the account services quite aptly. The starting signal was given with the formation of a project team and Helge and his team held exciting workshops to develop varied, useful and tangible content that would fill the new account with life. From cashback for online shopping, travel, tickets to events and regional partners to everyday services and attractive discounts and benefits in the leisure sector - in short, "Watt more".

From the very beginning, all Sparkasse employees involved in the project were absolutely enthusiastic. Starting with the name, which "really got things moving", the development process acted as a wake-up call, released energy and contributed to everyone involved being "wattized" in no time at all.

However, it should be no secret that the introduction of a new account family cannot happen overnight. Sales processes, system adaptations, the creation of new standards - all this is a time-consuming process. For this reason, Helge advises planning at least six months for implementation. Above all, it is important to get your own employees on board at an early stage and get them excited about the product. After all, an account changeover not only means up to 50% higher costs for end customers, but also an increased workload for the savings bank's employees. Helge emphasizes: "Without sufficient time, a motivated team and enough manpower, the changeover cannot be managed.

A positive mood is therefore essential and this is exactly what prevailed within Sparkasse Westholstein, reveals Helge. It even went so far as to organize private "Tupperware parties" for the new account world within the Sparkasse team to share the enthusiasm with neighbors and friends. "This is certainly unique in this form and once again illustrates the importance of "Watt mehr" in the short space of time," says Helge enthusiastically.