ProvidusBank has been named one of the best workplaces in banking in 2025 by Great Place to Work (GPTW), a global leader on workplace culture.
The recognition comes at a time when conversations about employee wellbeing, hybrid work, and organisational culture are at the forefront in many industries.
The bank was founded by Walter Akpani in 2016 who restructured the United Mortgage Bank Limited into the more digitally-oriented Providus Bank.
The accolade highlights the bank’s efforts to create an environment where employees feel supported, engaged and motivated.
According to GPTW, the award is based largely on staff feedback, which has become an increasingly important measure of how organisations are adapting to shifting workforce expectations.
Kingsley Ogirri, group head of human resources at ProvidusBank, said the recognition reflected the experiences of employees themselves.
“It is proof that the policies and programmes we have put in place are making a difference, from opportunities for growth, to wellness initiatives, to creating a space where everyone feels valued,” he said.
Walter Akpani, managing director and CEO, described it as a tribute to staff.
“Our people are at the very heart of what we do. This recognition is a tribute to their hard work, creativity and dedication,” he noted.
The wider picture
Workplace culture is now a defining issue for banks globally.
A 2024 Deloitte survey found that more than 60 percent of banking professionals rank wellbeing and flexibility as their top priorities, ahead of salary. In Nigeria, the pressures are acute: long working hours, high performance targets and economic uncertainty have all fuelled rising levels of workplace stress.
Analysts say such awards are more than symbolic. They signal how organisations are trying to respond to an evolving talent market in which younger employees are seeking purpose, inclusion and a healthier work-life balance.
Beyond fintech perks
While fintech start-ups often receive praise for modern workplace cultures, traditional banks have been slower to adapt.
ProvidusBank’s listing suggests that at least some players in the sector are making strides in areas such as flexible working policies, mental health support and professional development.
According to GPTW, top-ranking workplaces share a common thread, which is high levels of trust between staff and management.
This is increasingly viewed as a competitive advantage, particularly in industries where retention is costly and attrition can undermine client service.
The recognition places ProvidusBank among a select group of organisations in Nigeria’s banking sector that are redefining workplace culture.
For the bank, it is not only a validation of past efforts, but a motivation to keep pushing forward, guided by its core values and a vision to remain an employer of choice.
