Culture Head to Head
Discover how HSBC and Barclays stack up across purpose, values, behaviors, leadership and more—revealing how their distinct cultural profiles shape employee experience and business outcomes.

Industries
Finance
Date:
Jun 2025
Timeframe:
2019 -2024
Expert:
Alastair Whiteley
HSBC and Barclays are two titans of British banking, each, despite operating in a highly regulated, high-pressure industry have each created a unique culture shaped by their global reach and financial legacy.
But when it comes to how their people feel about working there, the differences are telling.
Culture Insights
Based on employee Net Sentiment Scores (NSS) across 12 core cultural themes, we compare which bank is delivering a more positive experience—and where both institutions have cultural challenges to confront.
HSBC leads across more categories but Barclays takes the edge on rewards and balance.
HSBC records stronger employee sentiment in 7 out of 12 cultural themes, including Collaboration, Learning & Development, and Diversity & Inclusion. However, Barclays outperforms HSBC in the vital areas of Pay & Rewards, Work-Life Balance, Purpose, and Career Progression—indicating a more favourable perception of personal and financial fulfilment.
HSBC Cultural Strengths
Learning & Development (NSS: +56.0)
A significant highlight. HSBC appears to provide structured growth and upskilling opportunities, reinforcing long-term commitment to employee development.Collaborative (NSS: +43.5)
A strong team culture sets HSBC apart, with employees frequently noting mutual support and cross-team collaboration.Diversity & Inclusion (NSS: +42.7)
HSBC’s efforts toward fostering inclusivity are resonating with employees—reflected in one of its highest sentiment scores.
Barclays Cultural Strengths
Pay & Rewards (NSS: +37.9)
The top-performing theme for Barclays. Staff clearly feel adequately rewarded, a key driver of satisfaction in the sector.Work-Life Balance (NSS: +15.5)
Barclays stands out for providing better flexibility and manageable workloads—12.6 percentage points ahead of HSBC.Career Progression (NSS: -38.3)
Though still negative, Barclays outpaces HSBC here—suggesting a slightly more optimistic view of mobility and advancement.
Cultural Framework | HSBC | Barclays | Best Performer |
---|---|---|---|
Supportive | -18.3 | -22.5 | HSBC |
Career Progression | -46.0 | -38.3 | Barclays |
Progressive | -75.4 | -76.6 | HSBC |
Collaborative | 43.5 | 35.2 | HSBC |
Empowered | -37.6 | -47.5 | HSBC |
Agility & Bureaucracy | -79.5 | -77.0 | Barclays |
Pay & Rewards | 12.0 | 37.9 | Barclays |
Work-Life Balance | 2.9 | 15.5 | Barclays |
Learning & Development | 56.0 | 39.8 | HSBC |
Tech in Workplace | -37.6 | -43.5 | HSBC |
Diversity & Inclusion | 42.7 | 27.0 | HSBC |
Purpose | -73.2 | -58.9 | Barclays |
Purpose
0 %
HSBC scores -73.2% on purpose, revealing a deep disconnect between employees and the company’s mission.
0 %
Barclays, at -58.9%, performs slightly better but still reflects notable dissatisfaction in creating a purpose-led culture.
Work-life Balance
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HSBC scores +2.9% on work-life balance, reflecting a neutral to mildly positive employee experience. Barclays is clearly ahead in delivering balance.
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Barclays, with +15.5%, outperforms significantly, suggesting stronger perceptions of flexibility and manageable workloads.
Empowered
0 %
HSBC scores -37.6% on empowerment, suggesting concerns around autonomy and decision-making.
0 %
Barclays performs worse at -47.5%, indicating a more constrained environment.
Request the full report
Read the full report and see how HSBC and Barclays compare across our Culture Framework.