To raise work-life balance as a business issue and to provide a platform for companies to demonstrate their commitment to work-life balance, Community Business is promoting Friday 23 October 2009 as the second Work-Life Balance Day in Hong Kong.

History
Findings from the 2006 - 2008 surveys repeatedly show that employees in Hong Kong work very long hours, that poor work-life balance is impacting their productivity, health and relationship 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. 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 120 companies signed up in 2008 and we are looking for more this year.

Work-Life Balance Guide
In addition to WLB Day, in June this year Community Business launched a new publication, Work-Life Balance: The Guide. This publication highlights the business case for work-life balance – even in tough economic times, and provides practical examples and advice on how to adopt a more strategic approach to work-life balance initiatives. We hope that this publication will serve as a useful tool and a source of inspiration for companies serious about promoting work-life balance. Click here for the link to The Guide.

Work-Life Balance Survey 2009
The results of the latest Work-Life Balance Survey, entitled ‘The State of Work-Life Balance in Hong Kong Survey 2009’ will be launched at a Breakfast Seminar on Monday 19 October 2009. The theme of the seminar is: “Work-Life Balance 2009: Is discussion of work-life balance still relevant during a recession?” The 2009 Survey tracks the shifts and changes of work-life balance trends in Hong Kong and provides suggestions on what employers can do to improve work-life balance for their staff. Click here for more information and to sign up to the Breakfast Seminar.

How to Participate in Work-Life Balance Day
It’s easy to take part in Work-Life Balance Day. Companies simply have to identify an initiative that they will hold on that day 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 company will do to mark Work-Life Balance Day. Your company logo and name will be added to the growing list of participating organisations currently featured on our website.

Reproduction and dissemination of materials on this website is permitted provided that the material is unaltered and ownership is acknowledged. Express permission of the Board of Community Business is required for use of materials if such use will generate income for the licensee. © Community Business Ltd. 2009