Consider it a wakeup call no bank should ignore: Six out of ten retail branch tellers leave their jobs within a year, and it takes banks 40 to 45 days to fill each vacancy, according to research shared at the CBA (Consumer Bankers Association) Live 2025 conference.
Higher pay and better work-life balance can help, but they’re not enough. To truly make progress on the retention front, banks must address another pressing need: better technology. In fact, four out of ten (42%) of financial services and banking workers in a recent study said a heavy workload was the main contributor to their feeling pressure in their jobs, while 36% cited administrative tasks.
By offering employees streamlined tools equipped with advanced AI capabilities, banks can make their employees’ day-to-day work experience more efficient, less stressful and ultimately more satisfying. The upshot: bank employees can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on customer service.
In addition, AI-powered tablets can be used to provide bank employees with personalized learning on the go—a perk that builds loyalty and improves retention.
Freedom to roam makes for better employee experience
What’s better for branch employees, being stuck to their desks or having the freedom to walk around and share their expertise with customers?
Equipping employees with AI-powered, multi-functional tablets and smartphones allows them to serve customers anywhere in the branch. Employees can perform multiple tasks—from scanning customer IDs, to verifying their account details—all on the same mobile device. Freed from their desks, they can focus more on helping customers on the floor, guiding them through new account openings, or providing personalized financial advice.
AI-powered smart tablets and smartphones also streamline work by automating repetitive tasks like data entry and compliance checks. Employees can likewise use helpful features like AI note-taking to capture key highlights from meetings or an AI tablet translation feature to communicate with customers in different languages. Overall, these tools allow bank employees to offer superior service with less stress, making them feel more empowered, efficient and valued in their roles.
Delivering upskilling via tablets builds employee loyalty
There’s little doubt that when employers offer upskilling opportunities to their workers, they boost retention. In fact, seven out of ten people say learning improves their sense of connection with an organization, LinkedIn data shows. Meanwhile, 44% of bank employees in a Crowe Bank Compensation and Benefits survey cited lack of career development opportunities as a reason for seeking employment elsewhere.
Banks can use AI-powered tablets to deliver personalized training programs that are tailored to each employee’s role, career goals and preferred learning style. Employees can complete courses or management training anytime, whether they’re in the branch or working remotely.
AI-powered tablets also make digital onboarding and training for new systems seamless. Employees receive step-by-step guidance, interactive content and real-time feedback, allowing them to learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed. AI features can even suggest the next course or resource based on an employee’s progress, making learning smarter and more relevant.
The bottom line: When it comes to improving retention, banks can’t ignore the power of technology. Investing in AI-powered tablets and smartphones not only makes employees’ jobs easier and more efficient but also provides crucial opportunities for learning and growth. Banks can significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention, creating a more productive and stable workforce.
Ready to empower your bank’s workforce and boost retention? Contact us and we will set up an appointment. To learn about Samsung technology solutions for financial services, click here.
