One of only five Singapore companies included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index
United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) today announced that its ongoing efforts in promoting an inclusive and fair workplace have been recognised with the Bank’s inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). UOB is one of only five Singapore companies to make the index – the second consecutive year it has done so.
The Bloomberg GEI recognises public companies that demonstrate commitment to advancing gender equality at the workplace through policy development, representation and transparency. Mr Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg, said, “The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting. Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally.”
Mr Dean Tong, Head of Group Human Resources, UOB, said, “At UOB, we believe that as part of providing an inclusive and fair workplace, all colleagues are treated equally and respectfully. By embracing the diverse abilities and strengths of our people, we create a culture where each person understands, appreciates and respects the differences in the experiences and perspectives of one another. This makes for a richer career experience and benefits our business as our people extend the same respect and understanding to our customers and their differing circumstances and needs.”
As at end 2019, women accounted for 60.9 per cent of UOB’s total workforce, with three in ten (35 per cent) senior management positions held by women. Among the department heads who report directly to the Group CEO or a Country CEO, 40 per cent are women. They also accounted for about half (51 per cent) of theBank’s middle management.
In 2018, women made up 62.9 per cent of the promotions across UOB.
To help its employees balance their personal and professional responsibilities, UOB provides flexible working arrangements such as staggered work hours and work-from-home arrangements. UOB also provides its employees with leave options such as childcare leave, family leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave and infant care no-pay leave. UOB employees are automatically enrolled in the Bank’s group term life insurance and personal accident plans and can enjoy preferential rates for medical consultation and treatments, as well as special deals on fitness and healthcare. Under its Healthy Employees, Active Lifestyles (HEAL) programme, the Bank gives out HEAL$, which are actual dollar credits, to employees and their dependents to spend on a wide range of health and wellness benefits, including discounts for maternity room bookings. To help new mothers when they return to the workplace, the Bank has created dual-use nursing rooms at its various office locations in Singapore and overseas subsidiaries.
The 2020 Bloomberg GEI comprises 325 companies from 42 countries and regions. This year, Bloomberg expanded the eligibility for inclusion in the index to nearly 6,000 companies across 84 countries and regions.
