Hong Kong’s workforce think almost one-third of the meetings they attend are a waste of time, according to Robert Half’s 2009 Workplace Survey. Despite the fact that meetings are meant to encourage strong ideas, expedite decision-making and build relationships, the survey found that Hong Kong’s labour force feels that the power to hold meetings is frequently abused.
Causes of ineffective meetings are attributed to the lack of a meeting agenda, irrelevant people in attendance, attendees’ inability to remain focused on the topic, uncertain reasons for holding the meeting and the absence of important stakeholders. In these uncertain times, when many companies are operating on reduced staff numbers, managers need to think carefully about why they are calling meetings and what they want to achieve.
Andrew Morris, Director, Robert Half Hong Kong believes that this problem is easily remedied by “developing a straightforward agenda which will help to define objectives prior to the meeting… They should consciously invite only the most relevant participants and prepare all materials before the meeting begins.”
The survey also revealed that employees believe taking sick leave during the economic slowdown increases their risk of being made redundant. Over a third, 35%, of Hong Kong’s employees fear that taking sick leave damages their office reputation.
Nearly 21% of respondents report that they, themselves, frequently come to work even when they are sick regardless of the fact attending work when sick can present a significant cost to the business. Hong Kong employers must remember that general illness as well as the ever-looming H1N1 also can present quite a threat to workplace productivity. Morris points out, “Strong managers know the best long term solution for both the company and its staff is to send sick employees home, and to proactively encourage a healthy work life balance.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
