Olufemi Adeyemi 

Union Bank of Nigeria has added another major accolade to its growing list of recognitions, emerging as Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS). The award ceremony was held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The honour followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of multinational independent judges, who assessed participating organisations on the strength of their corporate social responsibility, sustainability strategies, and overall impact. Union Bank stood out for its people-centred workplace policies and long-term commitment to inclusive growth.

In addition to winning the top prize for workplace practice, 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 secured first runner-up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment category and the Educational Intervention category, underscoring the depth and consistency of its sustainability initiatives.

Judges cited Union Bank’s holistic, people-first philosophy as a defining factor behind its success. The Bank’s workplace practices go beyond traditional human resources functions, focusing instead on building an inclusive, rewarding, and high-performing environment that sets new benchmarks within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the introduction of a five-month fully paid maternity leave, which exceeds statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at the Bank’s head office to support work-life balance and improve female employee retention. Union Bank also recorded its highest promotion rate in a decade, with 24 per cent of staff advancing across departments, reflecting a strong merit-based culture.

Further strengthening employee welfare, the Bank implemented a 40 per cent salary increase, aimed at improving financial wellbeing, easing economic pressures, and enhancing productivity across the workforce.

The SERAS judges noted that these initiatives generated significant social value, particularly in advancing gender equality in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Enhanced wellness programmes, including mental health support and flexible working arrangements, were also praised for fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace. The Bank’s emphasis on employee and family wellbeing was seen as creating positive ripple effects beyond the organisation and into the wider community.

Commenting on the recognition, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, said the award reflects the institution’s core values and long-term vision.

L-R: Head, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Union Bank, Olufisayo Adelekun; Chairman, Wonder Energy, Engr. Toju Koso; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, Team Lead, External Communication, Union Bank, Favour Ayeni; Executive Asst, Corporate Communication and Marketing, Union Bank, Boluwatife Lawal; Products and Partnerships Specialist, Union Bank, Oghenemaro Ebrorhie; Team Lead, Digital Marketing, Union Bank, Abisola Oluyede; and Customer Service Partner, Union Bank, Eduvie Ejakpomewhe during the Award presentation to Union Bank for Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 SERAS Awards held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos recently.
“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,” she said. “The measurable outcomes — from improved employee satisfaction to increased productivity and meaningful progress in gender inclusion — demonstrate the strength of our approach. We are deeply honoured by this recognition and remain committed to driving positive social transformation across Nigeria.”

Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS continues to set the standard for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence. The 2025 edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth,” celebrated organisations and leaders who applied creativity, technology, and strategic thinking to deliver measurable impact across industries and communities.

Union Bank’s workplace initiatives are increasingly viewed as a model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, reinforcing its position as a leader in responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.