Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > Fifth Third Bank: Striving to Keep Our Customers at the Center of What We Do, Safely

Fifth Third Bank: Striving to Keep Our Customers at the Center of What We Do, Safely

July 22, 2020
As part of the Keep Businesses Open #MaskUpMichigan campaign, the Chamber has encouraged businesses and individuals to commit to wearing a face mask as appropriate and sign the pledge. Chamber member, Fifth Third Bank, signed on and is requiring all staff and customers to wear masks or face coverings. David Girodat, regional president of Fifth Third Bank in Eastern Michigan, shared with the Chamber what precautions and measures his team has taken to ensure all employee and customer safety.


Why did Fifth Third take the #MaskUpMichigan pledge as well as decide to promote mask/face covering use across your entire footprint?

Our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to always put our customers at the center of what we do. That is why wearing a mask and socially distancing is critical. The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority.

Is Fifth Third doing anything unique to encourage face-covering use among employees and customers?

As an essential business, half of our employees never stopped working from our financial centers (branches). For a short time, we were providing customer service through the drive-through with the option of setting a lobby appointment. Employees working in financial centers initially received two masks a day and every single Fifth Third employee has received two reusable Fifth Third-branded face masks. Employees are asked to now use the reusable masks, or their preferred face covering. Regardless of if they’re working from home or a financial center, it was important we helped provide face coverings.

How does Fifth Third enforce this with customers?

We ask customers to wear a mask; if they do not have one, we will provide it.

Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new Executive Order requiring Michiganders to wear masks in indoor public spaces and some outdoor public spaces. Does this help Fifth Third enforce a mask or face covering rule?

Even before state requirements came into play, Fifth Third had asked employees and contractors to cover their faces when they are around others and cannot maintain at least six feet of distance. We feel strongly about this. Facial coverings – along with social distancing and handwashing – are the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your health, the health of those around you, and the overall health of your community.

What additional safety protocols or precautions has Fifth Third put in place to keep employees and customers safe?

We continue to work with customers how they prefer; we have virtual and in-person options, depending on their comfort level.

Learn more about the Keep Businesses Open #MaskUpMichigan Campaign.