‘Héroes’ is the second gaming-based training initiative implemented by the Foundation, after the successful ‘Simón’, an app that helps improve team management skills
The Observatorio de Comunicación Interna (Internal Communications Observatory) has granted ‘Héroes’, an interactive game, the award for Best Internal Communication Strategy for Change management and transformation. According to the Jury, “BBVA Microfinance Foundation (BBVAMF) has developed an innovative, educational, original and interactive internal communication tool that substitutes traditional practices consisting in emails, print documents, tests and face-to-face training courses.” The Observatorio is composed by global communications consultant Atrevia, Capital Humano magazine and IE Business School.
‘Héroes’ enables players to experience the Foundation’s mission to promote the economic and social development of people living under vulnerable conditions and who are sustained by small businesses, albeit through a screen. “This initiative is oriented towards new personnel, as well as to the 8,000 employees who are already part of the Group, based in Spain and in six of the Foundation’s institutions, along five Latin American countries”, shared Fabián Goldberg, head of training at BBVAMF. According to him, “this tool allows a first-hand experience at the work of the microfinance officers, who on a daily basis, approach our more than 2 million entrepreneurs, to attend to their financing needs, may it be microcredits, financial education or skills training, including savings and microinsurance.”
The player is given the chance to interact with a female rural entrepreneur to help her, while at the same time, training him/her in basic behaviors such as empathy towards clients and value creation. Likewise, focus is also given on the Foundation’s strategic lines, namely, process digitalization, women’s empowerment or sustainability.
During this 10th edition of the Awards for Best Practices in Internal Communication, 86 organizations have participated with 130 entries in eight categories. Aside from the BBVA Microfinance Foundation, the other awardees are Calidad Pascual, L’Oréal, Leroy Merlin, Heineken España, Enel México, Bimbo and Ecoembes.
The Foundation’s training programs, second-time awardees
BBVAMF is committed to social innovation in training its employees, as well as in advancing its mission to serve entrepreneurs who develop productive activities, but are traditionally excluded from the financial sector in Latin America. ‘Héroes’ is the second gaming-based training initiative implemented by the Foundation, after the success of ‘Simón’, an an app that helps improve team management skills. 1,000 branch supervisors who have been trained with this app rated it 4.7 out of 5. In 2016, CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, and Compromiso Empresarial magazine recognized ‘Simón’ as one of the 10 most innovative social initiatives of the year.