“The biggest challenge for me (after demonetisation) was how to manage the magnitude as seamlessly as possible,“ says Radhika Bhatawadekar, assistant general manager at Punjab National Bank's Nariman Point branch.

While the first few days were agonising and stressful because of the continuous presence of serpentine queues outside the bank, which were at times unmanageable, Bhatawadekar says there were also “business benefits“ of serving the people who were not her customers.

“When so many small but wealthy shopkeepers, who till then did not use much of the banking system, turned up to convert their cash hoard, it was as much an opportunity as it was a pain. There was a lot of discomfort and hard work during those days of crisis, but there was always a feel-good factor just like the way you feel when there is a wedding at home,“ she added.

According to the senior officer, demonetisation also gave an opportunity for employees across departments to bond and develop a team spirit. “Extended hours brought a sense of togetherness and cohesion among all departments. We helped each other as we shared our collective work and, of course, food."

She says the crisis required her to be on her toes, and for that, she resorted to comfortable sneakers, which, she recounts, “helped her move faster“.