Paternity leave is becoming more common in Hong Kong, with 42% of employers offering it in 2014, 11% more than in 2013. Among those who provided paternity leave, 31% of them offered 3 days, 14% offered 4-7 days and 10% offered more than 7 days. 12% plan to offer paternity leave in 2015. This, according to the jobsDB Hong Kong Compensation and Benefits Survey 2015.
The Survey also found that only 1% of surveyed companies provide a mother’s room in the office, and a further 4% of respondents expect to install one in 2015.
Flexible working hours have been introduced by 17% of companies surveyed. Another 16% of the respondents plan to introduce flexible working hours in 2015.
Mr Justin Yiu, General Manager, Jobs DB Hong Kong Limited, said, “This survey was conducted before the Legislative Council passed the bill to provide three days of paternity leave. At that time, around half of the surveyed employers were already offering paternity leave voluntarily or were planning to do so. This survey shows that employers are beginning to realise the importance of family-friendly practices. However, other family-friendly measures such as flexible working hours and mother’s rooms are still not common. A survey conducted earlier by the Public Opinion Programme of The University of Hong Kong revealed that 42% of ‘post-70s’ respondents have quit or have considered quitting so that they can have more time for their families. It shows that employees are very concerned about work-family balance. Apart from pay adjustment, employers should study the feasibility of family-friendly benefits. It is believed that these practices can help reduce turnover and attract talent.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
