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The following is issued on behalf of the Family Council:
The Family-Friendly Employers Award Scheme organised by the Family Council was officially launched today (April 7). It is now open for applications from employers and nominations from employees.
The award scheme will give recognition to business companies and firms that demonstrate a family-friendly spirit, encouraging them to put in place measures to raise awareness in the business sector of the importance of family core values, and to foster a pro-family culture and environment.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Family Council, Mr Henry Tang, said, "In addition to reasonable remuneration, employers can put themselves in the shoes of employees and put in place family-friendly measures as far as practicable to balance employees' family and work lives, which will help build a more harmonious employment relationship.
"With happier staff, morale will be boosted and their sense of belonging to the company strengthened. This enhances efficiency and productivity, which in turn will benefit the company as well."
There are two categories in the award scheme: the Corporations Category (for companies or firms with 100 or more employees in Hong Kong) and Small and Medium Enterprises Category (for those with fewer than 100 employees in Hong Kong). All companies registered in Hong Kong are welcome to apply, and nominations from current or former staff members of these companies are accepted.
The adjudication panel will give out various awards - "Family-Friendly Employer Award", "Distinguished Family-Friendly Employer Award" and "Award for Innovation", with reference to criteria such as the company's family-friendly employment policies, practices, rationale, benefits to the company and employees, as well as commitment of the top management.
The deadlines for employees' nominations and employers' applications are July 18 and August 8 respectively. The results will be announced by the end of 2011.
Interested parties please visit the following website for more information: www.familycouncil.gov.hk/family-friendlyemployers.
Ends/Thursday, April 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:58
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