CSR360

Partner:	Community Business
Event date:	Monday 15 October 2012 - Friday 19 October 2012
Location:	Hong Kong
Contact details:	Amanda Yik 2152 1889 amanda@communitybusiness.org Website

Work-Life Balance Week provides a platform for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to work-life balance and raises awareness of work-life balance as a business issue. This year it is taking place in Hong Kong from 15 to 19 October 2012.

Community Business and its member companies are dedicated to raising awareness of work-life balance as a business issue. As part of this commitment, for five years running the Community Business Leadership Team (CBLT) has commissioned research into the state of work-life balance in Hong Kong. Conducted by the Public Opinion Programme at The University of Hong Kong, this annual study has become the leading reference point on this issue.

History

Findings from the 2006 – 2010 surveys repeatedly show that employees in Hong Kong work very long hours, that poor work-life balance is impacting their productivity, health and relationships with family and friends and that they believe their employers can do more to address the situation.

Community Business, with sponsorship from the CBLT, has responded in a number of ways. In 2007 we produced a collection of case studies to show what companies are doing in Hong Kong to promote work-life balance – with a view to inspiring others. Click here to view the case studies. In 2009, we published the Work-Life Balance Guide which serve as a tool and a source of inspiration for companies serious about promoting work-life balance. Click here to view The Guide. In October 2008, we promoted Hong Kong’s first ever Work-Life Balance Day, encouraging companies to hold some kind of work-life balance initiative for their employees on that day. A total of 130 companies signed up in 2009 and 150 companies signed up in 2010. In 2012, we are rolling out Work-Life Balance Week and encourage companies to organise initiatives for their employees during the week that demonstrates their commitment to recognising work-life balance as a serious business issue.

How to Participate in Work-Life Balance Week

It is easy to take part in Work-Life Balance Week. Companies simply have to identify an initiative that they will hold during that week to promote the work-life balance of their employees. It could be as straightforward as encouraging all employees to leave on time, or providing healthy snacks in the pantry. Or it could be a more elaborate programme involving your suppliers and clients to make them aware of your commitment to being a socially responsible employer. It could be the opportunity to launch a new work-life balance policy or raise awareness of an existing one.

We encourage as many companies as possible to take part. Simply sign up to let us know what your organisation will do to mark Work-Life Balance Week. Your organisation logo and name will be added to the growing list of participating organisations currently featured on our website.