By Aduragbemi Omiyale
To support working parents on its payroll, Union Bank of Nigeria has established an on-site crèche facility in addition to an unparalleled comprehensive maternity leave.
The crèche is for both male and female full-time employees, with a pilot programme at the head office in Lagos to be launched in December 2024.
The facility will provide lactation rooms and family-friendly amenities, offering a convenient childcare solution, particularly for working mothers.
This initiative supports SDG 5: Gender Equality by enabling women to balance their professional responsibilities with childcare needs, helping to retain top female talent and fostering an inclusive work environment.
By promoting gender diversity, Union Bank is contributing to broader economic growth; research shows that achieving gender parity in the workforce could increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 26 per cent.
As for the leave, the lender said it includes an industry-leading five months of fully paid maternity leave, exclusive of the applicable annual leave.
According to Section 54 of the Labour Act in Nigeria, new mothers are legally entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave.
However, Union Bank is leading the way with this groundbreaking comprehensive package, which is a significant step ahead of industry norms.
This extended leave, coupled with the ability to take annual leave, gives new mothers more time to recover and bond with their newborns, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Additionally, returning mothers will benefit from a one-hour late resumption for the first month, easing the transition back into work and ensuring a smoother work-life integration.
The bank said it is taking significant steps with these innovative policies to strengthen its position as a forward-thinking employer in the financial sector.
“At Union Bank, we are proud to set a new standard in the banking sector with comprehensive maternity leave for working mothers and crèche facilities for the babies of both male and female full-time employees.
“We are committed to creating a workplace where women can thrive, and these initiatives are crucial in supporting working mothers as they balance their careers and personal lives.
“By providing five months of fully paid maternity leave and convenient childcare solutions, we aim to retain and empower top talent, ensuring all employees can contribute to the bank’s success,” the Chief Talent Officer of Union Bank, Ms Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, said.