Union Bank has offered a five-month maternity leave to support working mothers and an on-site crèche facility to support working parents—male and female full-time employees.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to The PUNCH recently.
According to Section 54 of the Labour Act in Nigeria, new mothers are legally entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave.
In announcing the development, Union Bank said the extended leave, coupled with the ability to take annual leave, would give new mothers more time to recover and bond with their newborns, aligning with SDG 3: good health and well-being.
It noted returning mothers would benefit from a one-hour late resumption for the first month, easing the transition back into work and ensuring a smoother work-life integration.
Speaking on the development, Chief Talent Officer, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, said, “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.”
It noted that the onsite crèche facility would further support working parents, with a pilot programme at the head office set to launch in December 2024.
“The crèche 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,” the lender stated.
By promoting gender diversity, Union Bank said it was contributing to broader economic growth, adding that research showed that achieving gender parity in the workforce could increase global GDP by 26 per cent.
“With these innovative policies, Union Bank is taking significant steps to strengthen its position as a forward-thinking employer in the financial sector,” it added.
