Eighty-four percent of respondents to a recent Regus survey believe that flexible working will keep older and more experienced workers in the economy—with the figure in Hong Kong slightly above the average at 86%. This comes as the world’s population is ageing at a rapid pace with Hong Kong being no exception to the trend.
Figures from the Hong Kong Government’s Census and Statistics Department shows that one in five people in Hong Kong will be aged 65 or over by 2023—which will no doubt fuel the increasing retirement age trend, which in the Civil Service has already been raised from 60 to 65.
The prospect of continuing inflexible working hours and long commutes in Hong Kong will no doubt put off older people as they seek to spend more time caring for their families or try to deal with underlying health problems. Though Michael Ormiston, Country Manager, Regus Hong Kong sees the support for flexible working in Hong Kong as promising way to deal with these concerns.
“Flexible working is an ideal solution for those who want to remain in the workforce past traditional retirement age, but maintaining control of their schedule and reducing lengthy commutes to and from work,” explained Ormiston.
He added, “Flexible working can also provide older workers with a ‘bridge’ into retirement. Reports show that often the complete loss of professional work can leave retired workers feeling depressed and unmotivated, even to the point of affecting mental health. Flexible working can help older workers delay retirement without giving up too much of their hard-earned freedom.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
