Majority of Hong Kong HR personnel express dissatisfaction with family-friendly work policies, according to a recent survey
In a recent survey conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in Hong Kong, it was revealed that current family-friendly workplace policies and practices are largely insufficient, particularly in supporting employees with mental health needs, children with special educational requirements, and single parents.
The survey, which involved 1,400 participants, found that 90% of human resources (HR) staff reported their organizations lack formal family-friendly policies or guidelines to help employees balance work and family responsibilities. This lack of written policies contributes to uncertainty about their effectiveness among HR professionals.
Between 24% to 45% of HR staff are unsure whether the current measures actually support employees caring for family members with mental health issues, children with special educational needs, or single-parent households. Some examples of family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs) recommended or occasionally offered include flexible work arrangements, special leave entitlements such as parental leave, compassionate leave, and marriage leave. However, such practices are not widespread or consistently implemented.
The EOC has urged the Hong Kong government to enhance legislation and lead in adopting family-friendly policies, which could prompt wider private sector adoption. There is a push to strengthen education for employers about family status discrimination and to encourage medical insurance coverage for employees' families.
In Hong Kong's current competitive environment, finding or retaining a good employee requires significant effort, according to Ferrick Chu Chung-man, Executive Director of Operations at the Equal Opportunities Commission. To retain good talent, the EOC urges employers to take friendly measures, establish written policies, and allow for more flexible arrangements under inclement weather.
Improving family-friendly workplace policies can help employees reduce stress linked to caregiving, improve work-life balance, and increase productivity and retention, benefiting both employees and employers. The current lack of support negatively impacts families and society, with some employees even pressured to resign when unable to meet family responsibilities.
The Family Council in Hong Kong has launched campaigns to promote diversified and flexible family-friendly employment measures, aiming to increase employer adoption of such practices. The EOC has also called for the introduction of more types of family leave.
Experts argue that these improvements are crucial, as they can help address the challenges faced by vulnerable employee groups and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment in Hong Kong.
- The survey revealed that a significant proportion of HR staff in Hong Kong are unsure if current family-friendly practices support employees with mental health needs, children with special educational requirements, or single parents, highlighting the need for improved education and legislation.
- To create a health-and-wellness environment in the workplace, it's recommended that employers consider implementing family-friendly employment practices such as flexible work arrangements and special leave entitlements, like parental leave, compassionate leave, and marriage leave.
- Enhancing family-friendly policies could lead to improved lifestyle for employees, as it may help reduce stress, improve work-life balance, increase productivity, and enhance retention, benefiting both employees and employers.
- The Family Council in Hong Kong is promoting diversified and flexible family-friendly employment measures, suggesting that such practices can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment, addressing the challenges faced by many vulnerable employee groups.
- To attract and retain good talent in the competitive Hong Kong market, employers must take measures to establish written family-friendly policies and allow for more flexible arrangements under inclement weather, as emphasized by the Equal Opportunities Commission.
