Union Bank Emerges Best in Workplace Practice at SERAS Awards

Union Bank of Nigeria has once again earned national recognition, clinching the Best Company in Workplace Practice award at the prestigious Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS). The award ceremony was held on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The honour follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of independent multinational judges, who assessed participating organisations on the strength of their corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

Union Bank received nominations in four competitive categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency. The Bank also emerged first runner-up in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Education Intervention categories, underscoring the depth and impact of its sustainability-driven interventions.

The award-winning workplace practices reflect Union Bank’s people-centric strategy, which goes beyond traditional human resource management to foster an inclusive, high-performing, and rewarding work environment. Through these initiatives, the Bank has set new benchmarks for workplace excellence within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

Among the key initiatives recognised were the introduction of a fully paid five-month maternity leave—exceeding statutory requirements—and the establishment of an on-site crèche at the Bank’s head office to support work–life balance and enhance female workforce retention. In addition, Union Bank recorded its highest promotion rate in a decade, with 24 per cent of employees advancing across various departments, reinforcing a strong merit-based culture. A 40 per cent salary increase further improved employee financial wellbeing, eased economic pressures, and contributed to higher productivity levels.

Judges commended the Bank for creating significant social value, particularly through its deliberate advancement of gender equality in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Expanded wellness programmes incorporating mental health support and flexible work arrangements were also recognised for fostering a more supportive and inclusive workplace. The Bank’s focus on employee and family welfare was noted for generating positive ripple effects across the wider community.

Speaking on the achievement, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, said:

“Our workplace initiatives are deeply rooted in our triple-pillar framework of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which guides our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development. This approach enables us to promote best practices across the industry. The tangible outcomes—ranging from improved employee satisfaction and productivity to measurable gains in gender inclusion—affirm the strength and adaptability of our strategy. We are honoured by this recognition from SERAS and other sustainability stakeholders, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving positive social impact across Nigeria.”

Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS continues to set the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence in Nigeria. The 2025 edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth,” celebrated organisations and leaders leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic thinking to deliver measurable impact within their industries and communities.

Union Bank’s workplace initiatives stand as a replicable model within and beyond the financial services sector, reinforcing its position as a leader in responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable business practices in Nigeria.