HONG KONG: Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung has called on local employers to adopt "family friendly" practices for employees, as one of the keys to a successful business.

Cheung spoke at the opening of the Social Responsibility Hong Kong Conference 2009 organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

The secretary observed that family harmony was the foundation of social harmony and family-friendly employment practices allowed employees to attain work-life balance.

He told the gathering that a first priority in business should be to enhance communication and cooperation with staff by understanding the needs of workers. He said companies should enhance communication and co-operation through "empathy".

"Second, employers should show care in understanding the circumstances of the employees and their families and provide support," he said.

"Third, employers should listen to employees' views and criticism with patience and make improvements accordingly," he continued.

The secretary noted that employees are the most valuable assets of an enterprise. He held that businesses that practice social responsibility toward employees were more competitive, and more productive through improved staff morale. Many leading enterprises are also shining examples of best employers.

"Noting the sincerity and willingness of the employers in identifying their needs, employees will work harder in return," he added.

"Corporate social responsibility has nothing to do with the size of a company. With a heart and innovative ideas, enterprises can implement family-friendly employment practices in accordance with their own size, resources and culture in a flexible way," he stressed.

Family-friendly measures commonly adopted include flexible work arrangements like a five-day week, work from home and job sharing; special leave to meet family needs such as marriage leave, compassionate leave and parental leave; and the provision of support services such as child care services and counselling services.

Cheung said, "There are more than 270,000 small and medium enterprises employing more than 1.17 million people in Hong Kong. This makes up more than 98 percent of the businesses in the city. The participation of these enterprises in promoting family-friendly employment practices is of paramount importance."

China Daily

(HK Edition 11/24/2009 page1)