Digital transformation of banks during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of employees and management in the Czech Republic
Volume 04, Issue 1
Authors
Roman Hlawiczka • Daniel Mikustak • • •
Keywords
digital transformation, covid-19, banking sector, management, employees
Citation in APA style
Hlawiczka, R. & Mikustak, D. (2026). Digital transformation of banks during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of employees and management in the Czech Republic. Journal of Business Sectors, 4(1), 91–101. https://doi.org/10.62222/DUYN1468
DOI
Abstract
Research background:
Digital transformation in the banking sector has become increasingly salient, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and reshaped organisational processes. Banks were required to rapidly expand remote work arrangements, strengthen digital service channels, and respond to changing customer expectations, making digitalization critical for maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. At the same time, research emphasises that digital transformation entails not only technological change but also organisational and managerial challenges, including employee adaptation and leadership support.
Purpose of the article:
This study aims to provide new insights into digital transformation in the banking sector during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of employees and management. Specifically, it examines internal organisational factors—employee adaptation, managerial support, and the implementation of digital processes—that shaped the trajectory and effectiveness of the transformation.
Methods:
The study uses a mixed-methods design that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative component consists of a questionnaire survey administered to banking sector employees; the data are analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test to assess gender differences. The qualitative component comprises semi-structured interviews with bank managers to provide deeper insight into how digital transformation processes were implemented.
Findings & Value added:
The findings indicate that digital transformation in the banking sector during the COVID-19 pandemic was perceived predominantly positively, particularly with respect to efficiency and work processes. Gender differences were generally minimal; a statistically significant difference was identified only for satisfaction with digitalization and perceived managerial support. Nonetheless, challenges related to cybersecurity and employee adaptation persist. The paper’s contribution lies in its focus on internal organisational dynamics and its integration of employee and management perspectives. The results offer implications for economic policy aimed at supporting digitalization and workforce adaptation and align with the journal’s focus on digital transformation and its societal impacts.