Union Bank of Nigeria has been honoured as the Best Company in Workplace Practice at the renowned Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS). The ceremony was held on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.
This accolade follows a rigorous assessment by independent multinational judges who evaluated the bank’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. Union Bank was also nominated in three other categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best in Reporting and Transparency. The bank secured first runner-up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories, underscoring its commitment to these vital areas.
Union Bank’s award-winning workplace practices exemplify its holistic, people-first philosophy that goes beyond traditional human resources functions. The bank has cultivated an inclusive, rewarding, and high-performing environment that sets new standards within Nigeria’s financial sector.
Among the initiatives recognised were the introduction of five months of fully paid maternity leave, exceeding statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at the bank’s head office to support work-life balance and enhance female retention. Additionally, the bank recorded its highest promotion rate in a decade, with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments, reflecting a strong meritocratic culture. A notable 40 per cent salary increase further contributed to employee financial wellbeing, alleviating economic pressures and boosting productivity.
The judges praised Union Bank’s initiatives for creating significant social value, particularly its efforts to promote gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Enhanced wellness programmes, including mental health support and flexible working arrangements, fostered a more inclusive and healthy workplace, ultimately improving staff wellbeing. The bank’s focus on employee and family needs has also generated positive ripple effects within the wider community.
Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, said:
“Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which underpins our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development. This framework empowers us to champion best practices across the sector. The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach. We are confident these efforts will continue driving positive social transformation across Nigeria. Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives.”
Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS has consistently set the standard for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence. This year’s theme, “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated organisations and leaders who have pushed creative, technological and strategic boundaries to deliver tangible community and industry benefits.
Union Bank’s workplace initiatives serve as a model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, establishing a new benchmark for responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.
