HR Awards
Best COVID-19 HR Initiative
HKBN
HKBN COVID-19 Playbook
Rather than fear the inevitable change under post-pandemic, we embrace change as a way to evolve and transform how we do things—turning challenges into opportunities, to create better Talents and a better company.
To safeguard Talent health and safety during COVID, HKBN launched the HKBN COVID-19 Playbook as an evolving guideline containing the latest policies, preventive measures, and contingencies. Meanwhile, it continued to implement the numerous COVID-specific measures in the office and for its frontline Talents. As COVID-19 infection numbers in Hong Kong stabilised, in August 2021, HKBN officially adopted a ‘4+1 Hybrid Work Mode’. To help Talents transition to this model, the company provided:
- Instructions and guidelines on effective information security procedures for WFH.
- Comprehensive hardware, software and backend support for seamless connection to the company’s internal systems.
- Workshops on effective communication via video conferencing.
- Dedicated Live Corner set up in theHong Kong office to handle Talent demand for live streaming and virtual meetings.
HKBN also prioritised the safety of all frontline and core operational Talents with the supply of PPE like face masks and hand sanitisers. In addition, split-office arrangements were rolled out to mitigate the risk of cross-infection. As a precaution, Talents at risk of contracting COVID-19 are required to undergo self-quarantine at home for 14 days, with full-paid leave compensation provided. To further enhance safety, the following were also implemented:
Flexible hours to avoid large crowds: flexible working and lunch hours so Talents can commute and enjoy their meal at non-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Full-paid quarantine leave: as a precaution, Talents at risk of contracting COVID-19 must undergo self-quarantine at home for 14 days, with full-paid leave compensation provided. This measure encourages talents to report their health condition honestly and promptly to help curb the virus transmission chain.
Tracking office activity: even after introducing hotdesking, Talents were required to use a mobile App to register their seat. If any Talent was identified as having COVID-19, this allowed the easy tracking of close contacts to help arrange for their self-quarantine.
Enhance health & hygiene awareness: health-related advice posted in physical offices and on the intranet to enhance talents’ health and hygiene awareness. Initiated multiple channels for Talents to get COVID-19 tested.
Provide a clean place to work: hire professional service providers for regular disinfection, cleaning, and applying antiviral coatings. Also, we deliver PPE to talents upon request.
