UBA fortifies sustainability initiatives with upgrade of 3,000 staff

…As Group Chairman’s forum kicks off
Ranking ahead of its peers, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Nigeria Plc, has once again demonstrated commitment to boosting its sustainability initiatives by investing more on its human capital.

In addition to the Group-wide promotion, the bank unveiled a new Workforce Model and an extension of existing Group car loan benefit, to new 1000 previously ineligible staff.

The bank recently rewarded 25 per cent or 3,000 staff, rewarding value for excellence and consolidating grip in service delivery of its staff and higher efficiency. UBA is Africa’s Global Bank operating in 19 African countries, has announced.

In a statement from the bank made available to Daily Times Nigeria, the bank announced the promotion of 3,000 staff members, reinforcing its commitment to human capital investment and career progression.

The promotion, which cuts across the group’s global network, was effected as the macroeconomic headwinds continue to bite the sector and the overall economy.

In a letter written on Monday, April 3 2017 to Group staff by CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, he said “Since my recent appointment as GMD/CEO, one of my priorities has been to address the needs of our people. I strongly believe that if we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers – our ultimate employers.”

Uzoka said that investing in its staff, will rightly position the workforce to adequately render first class services to customers. “If we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers.”

“Investment in our human capital is critical to our success. It is a product of our ability to invest for the long term and create an institution that is built to last. It is the bedrock of our determination to be Africa’s leading customer focused bank”.

In addition to the Group-wide promotion, Mr. Uzoka unveiled a new Workforce Model and an extension of the existing Group car loan benefit, to 1000 previously ineligible staff.

These policies are in direct response to staff feedback from the Employee Engagement Survey, which the CEO says has helped define current and future human capital investment. The revised Workforce Model democratizes access to leadership roles and opportunities at the bank.

The new policy made it possible for all staff, irrespective of track, to aspire to leadership roles, if objective requirements are met. Reforming the Leadership and Service Tracks disparity, which had been a source of frustration for some staff who had to convert tracks to advance professionally, illustrates again UBA’s commitment to creating an environment where talent and merit are rewarded.

Uzoka, urged staff to “continue to embody UBA core values daily – in our endless quest for Excellent Service…Delivered!” This advice is timely as staff enter the final stages of preparation for the Group Chairman’s Forum which commences on Wednesday April 5th.

Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, congratulated UBA’s executive management, as he noted the current challenging business environment. He encouraged the industry to follow UBA’s lead, in putting its workers first. “Promoting at this scale and creating career opportunities for staff at a time like this is an indication of industry leadership and worthy of emulation.

It is no accident that this is occurring after the announcement of our strong 2016 results and as our shareholders receive dividends later this week. We want all our key stakeholders to share our success.” The Chairman continued in praise of the bank’s equitable policy, “I commend the bank for creating robust and meritocratic career opportunities for all staff at a time when some in our industry are downsizing or casualizing staff. This is truly remarkable.”

UBA recently announced N384 billion earnings for 2016, an impressive 22% growth over performance in 2015 and also grew profit before tax by 32% to N91 billion. The strong performance also reflects the imbedded culture of customer service, driven by high employee engagement and satisfaction.

UBA’s commitment to its broader pan-African network was reflected in a series of awards, including five ‘Bank of The Year’ awards for Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Senegal, Cameroon and Chad at the annual Bankers Award in London and the 2016 EMEA Finance Banking Awards by leading financial publication EMEA Finance Magazine.

The Group Chairman’s Forum commencing on Wednesday April 5th will feature series of events, including the Group AGM and the highly-anticipated annual UBA CEO Awards.