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Union Bank of Nigeria has been named the Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards, widely known as SERAS. The recognition was announced during the award ceremony held in Lagos, following a detailed evaluation by SERAS multinational independent judges. The judges assessed companies based on their Corporate Social Responsibility performance, workplace policies, and sustainability initiatives.
In the statement released on Thursday, the bank confirmed that it received nominations across four major categories. These include 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. Union Bank also emerged as the first runner-up in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment category and the Education Intervention category, showing the strength of its commitment to employee welfare, gender inclusion, and education support.
One of the major factors considered for the award was Union Bank’s introduction of five months of fully paid maternity leave, which goes beyond the statutory requirement in Nigeria. The bank also set up an on-site crèche to support nursing mothers and young families within its workforce. In addition, Union Bank recorded its highest promotion rate in a decade, with 24 per cent of employees promoted across different departments. It also implemented a significant 40 per cent salary increase for staff, helping to improve the financial stability of employees and reduce the economic pressure many workers face.
These initiatives improved productivity and strengthened staff morale, according to the award organisers. The judges highlighted that the bank’s policies created meaningful social impact, especially through its gender equality programmes. The extended maternity benefits were seen as a major step toward advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5, which promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women. Union Bank’s wellness programmes, including mental health support and flexible work options, were also acknowledged as important steps that encouraged a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
The judges noted that the bank’s focus on employee wellbeing has produced ripple effects beyond the workplace and into the wider community, as more organisations now look to adopt similar people-focused policies.
Reacting to the win, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, said the bank’s workplace programmes are driven by its “triple pillar model” of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation. She explained that this model helps the bank maintain its commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic practices. According to her, the results of these programmes are already visible in employee satisfaction, rising productivity levels and steady progress in gender inclusion.
She added that Union Bank remains committed to driving positive social change in Nigeria and will continue to invest in initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, support families and promote equality. “Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives,” she said.
SERAS, now in its 19th year, has become a major benchmark for excellence in corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Nigeria and across Africa. This year’s edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth,” celebrated companies and leaders using creative, technological and strategic approaches to deliver measurable community and industry impact.
With this award, Union Bank joins the list of Nigerian organisations recognised for pushing workplace standards higher and contributing meaningfully to national development through sustainable and inclusive practices.
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