Press Releases

Women's Commission supports Chief Executive's proposal on five-day week

The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:

The new Chairperson of the Women's Commission, Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi, today (January 15) applauded the Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's proposal on a five-day week in the civil service.

The proposal coincides with the family-friendly employment policies and practices advocated by the Women's Commission since its establishment in 2001 as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong.

The Commission believes that the family-friendly employment policies and practices (including a five-day week) are conducive to women's participation in the labour market and can facilitate a better balance between family and job responsibilities for both men and women.

"An improved work-life balance for employees can foster nurturing families and thus a harmonious community. It can also improve labour relations by boosting staff motivation and commitment, while reducing turnover and absenteeism," said Ms Kao.

The Commission calls on the private and non-governmental sectors to follow the Government's lead in adopting family-friendly practices in accordance with their respective circumstances.

Recently, the Women's Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission have jointly commissioned the Lingnan University to conduct a research to gauge the needs, awareness and prevalence of family-friendly employment policies and practices in Hong Kong. Their related costs and benefits will also be examined. The findings will be available for public discussion by mid-2006.

A survey conducted by the Women's Commission in 2002 had shown that most private and non-governmental establishments had yet to adopt gender-related employment practices.



Ends/Sunday, January 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:38

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