26 October 2006 - Press Release
Enhancing population potential ?work-life balance is the key
Increasing life expectancy, decreasing birth rate and impairing gender ratio are some of the main population challenges that Hong Kong will face in the years to come. The recent Enhancing Hong Kong's Population Potential seminar-cum-forum, government and business representatives gathered to discuss and identify solutions - work-life balance is the key.
Vicki Kwok, Secretary of the Council for Sustainable Development shared the latest population findings and trends. She introduced the Council's Invitation and Response document, shared her views and took this great opportunity to collect public opinions from environmental, social and economical perspective in drawing a sustainable population policy for Hong Kong.
"Flexibility will be at the heart of the workplace in the next decade," Paul Angwin of Manpower (HK) Ltd noted. "Women will hold more management positions; men will play a larger role in raising children."
Angwin explained that employers will have to recognize the desires of the employees to control when and how they work if they want to have a sustainable business.
Victor Li of Dunwell Environmental Management Co., Ltd. concurred and suggested that all companies no matter large or small or medium sizes all have to develop Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and care even more for their employees and their families. "People are the most valuable asset for a business to sustain", he emphasized.
He believed that incorporating CSR into a corporate culture can help attract good talents and retain them. It is important to help employees to achieve a work-life balance.
The seminar-cum-forum was jointly organized by BEC and CSD on 26 October 2006.