Supportive colleagues but disappointing employee experience - Anonymous employee China Merchants Bank Employee Review

Employee experience has been disappointing. HR and management promises were not followed through, while benefits have shrunk significantly over the past year with no meaningful salary increments. The culture can feel rigid and low-trust. Employees are closely monitored via tap-in tap-out system and CCTV footages. Lunch breaks are strictly limited to one hour. This feels excessive, especially when employees are still expected to work beyond normal hours when needed. Claiming OT pay require separate application, and only claimable after 8PM. Reimbursement process takes very long. For some roles and opportunities, candidates with direct Mainland China experience or background may be viewed more favorably. There also seems to be a noticeable difference in compensation structure between expatriate staff and local employees with similar responsibilities. The bank also lacks product offerings compared with industry peers, making it harder to serve clients competitively. Turnover is high, and some teams are severely understaffed.