Survey finds HK workplaces lack family-friendly policies, despite 65pc offering flexible office hours 

Hong Kong human resources (HR) professionals report inadequate family-friendly employment practices in the city’s workplaces, according to research conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The EOC released the survey findings on Tuesday after interviewing 1,000 family members of working individuals and collecting questionnaires from 400 HR management staff between July and August last year.

The results indicated that nearly 66 percent of enterprises provide flexible working hours, while almost half of employers ensure five-day workweeks.

About 24 percent of the surveyed companies allow employees to split annual leave into smaller units, such as quarter-days or hourly increments. Additionally, 39 percent offer compassionate leave, and 24 percent provide a marriage holiday.

However, the survey found that 4 percent of HR managers reported their organizations would advise employees requesting additional leave for family reasons to consider resignation.

Ferrick Chu Chung-man, Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC, warned that such actions could potentially violate the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance.

Meanwhile, families of working professionals stated that overnight shifts and post-work tasks significantly hinder their ability to fulfill family responsibilities.

They believe flexible working hours, a five-day workweek, and remote work arrangements would allow them to better meet family obligations.

The EOC urged employers to promote complete disengagement from work outside office hours and called on the government to lead in establishing comprehensive family leave policies.

Doris Tsui Ue-ting, Head (Policy, Research, and Training) of the EOC, further recommended that companies implement flexible work arrangements, such as working from home during and after severe weather conditions.

Additionally, Tsui noted that the EOC received 126 complaints, involving termination procedures, denial of employee leave requests, and lack of salary increase opportunities.

The majority of complainants were caregivers of newborns, family members of mentally ill patients, or parents of children with special needs.

Chu further urged employers to implement family-friendly measures, which are crucial for retaining talent.