Phoebus Software

Innovation is important for Phoebus Software, so when lockdown halted face-to-face ideas sessions the company found new ways to connect its staff.

Phoebus, which provides technology for banks, building societies and other lenders, kept the ideas flowing with the help of the virtual whiteboard Mural as well as MS Teams.

More than 25% of Phoebus's turnover goes back into R&D, helping to strengthen and expand its product suite. The business started in 1989 as a banking platform. It has more than 25 clients in the UK and Ireland, managing assets in excess of £60bn.

Phoebus made all internal communication as interactive as possible for staff during the pandemic, with video calls by the executive leadership, Q&A sessions, lunch-and-learns and working groups. This ensured the team felt informed, and involved in planning for the future. A return-to-work committee was set up with members representing all areas of the Solihull-based business.

Feedback showed that some staff wanted to work from home on a more regular basis, post-pandemic, to change their work/life balance. This has resulted in a new long-term approach called Working Differently, which means flexibility about when and where people work, and valuing the importance of face-to-face interaction.

A peer reward system allows staff to nominate colleagues for acting in line with Phoebus's values. The winner each month receives a gift.