It is hard to believe how the interior of a building can be transformed after a thorough renovation: the former headquarters of the PKO BP Branch in Bolesławiec now impresses with its functional spatial arrangement, easy access to the cash desks, stone finishes, modern lighting—not to mention the computerisation, furniture and flowers creating an intimate atmosphere. Everything for customers—with their efficient service and well-being in mind. Not only economic knowledge is skilfully applied here, but also psychological and sociological expertise. PKO BP Bank has entered the 21st century. We discuss everyday matters with Ms Małgorzata Tajak, director of the Branch, which once again operates in the carefully restored building—the little palace on Sierpnia '80 Street.
PKO is naturally associated with saving, and this is documented by an old tradition dating back to 1918, when Pocztowa Kasa Oszczędności was established in independent Poland. The abbreviation PKO remains the same, but the nature of the institution has changed beyond recognition. If, in shorthand, we associate it with certainty, trust and tradition, this is entirely justified: bankruptcy is not a threat here, because the State Treasury guarantee remains in force until 2000. But there is no need to worry about the more distant future: a company with such a tradition and economic standing will not go bankrupt.
PKO is ahead of other banks. The time has come for so-called “express” payment cards and, more recently, Visa Classic. After having held a personal account for a year, one can obtain it without difficulty. The convenience is enormous: it can be used to pay in shops, bars, hotels, service outlets and when buying petrol. No withdrawals at the bank counter, no filling out cheques, no filling out cheques, no handling cash. In Poland and abroad, practically all over the globe. It is extremely convenient when travelling, and its advantages hardly need to be praised: it is also our path to Europe. The bank is also launching foreign-currency services for customers (a foreign-exchange desk). It has high hopes for winning the tender to distribute Universal Share Certificates (it defeated Poczta and BGŻ in the competition, partly because of PKO’s dense network of branches throughout the country—around 1,000). It offers customers loans for instalment purchases of goods, housing loans and many others. People come to PKO Bank not only for money: at last, good conditions have been created for talking with customers, providing professional advice and having a normal conversation with customers—without crowds, without haste and while preserving the comfort of privacy. This is served by the increased number of service desks, attention to the aesthetics of the interior, and even insulating the building and removing architectural barriers for people with disabilities. The leap into modernity also includes air conditioning in the banking hall, where as many as 2,000 cash transactions may take place daily. A computer controls the modern gas boiler room, which is the latest word in ecological fashion.
A modern fire-alarm control centre enables instant communication with the fire brigade; automatic sensors operate everywhere, responding immediately and reliably.
One can be pleased that the city has gained another source of pride and a modern landmark. PKO Bank undoubtedly deserves this designation.