Union Bank of Nigeria has been named Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), held at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The award followed a rigorous assessment by SERAS’ multinational panel of judges, who evaluated corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives across multiple sectors.
Union Bank received nominations in four categories – Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency.
It emerged first runner-up in the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Education Intervention categories.
The Bank’s workplace practices, anchored on a people-first philosophy, were recognised for creating an inclusive, rewarding and high-performing environment.
Key initiatives include five months fully paid maternity leave, an onsite crèche at its head office, a 40 per cent salary increase, and the highest promotion rate in a decade, with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments.
Judges commended Union Bank for advancing gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5, as well as wellness programmes featuring mental health support and flexible working arrangements.
Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said: “Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation…
The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach.”
Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS continues to set the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence.
The 2025 edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated organisations driving measurable community and industry impact.
