Written by MixCare Health Team —
Welcome to the second article in a series of three that explores various wellness benefits offered by forward thinking companies in Hong Kong that are tailored to meet the unique needs of employees across different age groups, genders and abilities. This time, we take a closer look at employee benefits (EBs) that cater to the unique needs of different genders within the workforce.
The adoption of gender-specific employee benefits signifies a crucial step towards cultivating an equitable and supportive work environment. By recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by different genders, Hong Kong’s businesses are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive corporate culture and, by extension, a more resilient and diverse community.
Female-Specific Benefits
Women make up a significant portion of Hong Kong’s workforce, with around 52% of employees being female.To support these women, companies are offering an array of benefits tailored to their specific needs.
- Maternity Benefits
Under Hong Kong law, female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave. However, some companies are going above and beyond by offering extended maternity leave. This allows new mothers to spend more time bonding with their newborns and adjusting to their new role as a parent. Such generosity reflects a commitment to the well-being of employees and their families.
In addition to extended leave, comprehensive maternity support programmes may include workshops on parenting, breastfeeding spaces in the office, and access to lactation consultants. One excellent example is Standard Chartered Bank, which, apart from extending maternity leave to 20 weeks, has also established “mother’s rooms” across various offices to accommodate breastfeeding needs of their female employees.
- Women’s Health Programmes
Breast Cancer Screenings: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and its early detection is crucial for successful treatment. These benefits may include annual mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical breast exams, which can help identify breast cancer in its early stages. Some companies may also offer educational resources and support programmes to help women understand their risk factors and take proactive steps towards prevention.
Gynaecological Services: Gynaecological health is a critical aspect of overall women’s health, and access to quality care is essential. These services may include annual check-ups, pap smears, HPV testing, and screenings for gynaecological cancers such as ovarian and cervical cancer. Some companies may also offer access to specialist care, such as gynaecological surgeons and oncologists, for more complex issues.
Fertility Assistance: These benefits may include coverage for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility medication. Some companies may also offer access to fertility specialists, counselling services, and support groups to help employees navigate the complex and often stressful process of fertility treatment. In addition to medical benefits, some companies are also offering financial assistance for adoption, surrogacy, egg donation, and egg retrieval, recognising that building a family can take many different forms.
Global insurance giant AXA offers additional fertility leave for those undergoing fertility treatments and acknowledges the need for leave due to pregnancy loss. Recognising that the journey doesn’t end at childbirth, these initiatives support women before, during, and after maternity leave. Moreover, AXA Hong Kong is further expanding a “Healthy You” programme to provide wellness support for employees experiencing menstrual health conditions, menopause, or andropause.
Male-Specific Benefits
While often overlooked, male employees also have unique health and wellness needs. Progressive companies in Hong Kong are recognising this and offering benefits tailored to their male workforce.
- Paternity Benefits
Currently, the statutory paternity leave in Hong Kong is 5 days, but companies are now realising the importance of fatherhood involvement from the early stages. Extended paternity leave is becoming more common, allowing fathers to support their partners and bond with their newborns. Starting from Jan 1, 2024, HSBC HK increased both maternity and paternity leave to 20 weeks and 40 days, respectively.
- Men’s Health Programmes
Men’s health, often given less attention, is coming to the forefront with dedicated programmes addressing issues such as prostate health and stress management. These initiatives are crucial in a high-pressure city like Hong Kong, where work-related stress is a common concern.
Prostate Cancer Screenings: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and early detection is key to successful treatment. By offering prostate cancer screenings as part of their employee health benefits, companies in Hong Kong are taking a proactive approach to men’s health.
These screenings may include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DRE), which can help identify prostate cancer in its early stages. Some companies may also offer educational resources and support programmes to help men understand their risk factors and make informed decisions about their health.
Mental Health Support: Mental health is a critical issue for men in Hong Kong, where high-pressure work environments and societal expectations can lead to significant stress and anxiety. However, men often face a stigma when it comes to seeking help for mental health concerns, leading many to suffer in silence.
For example, AXA Hong Kong now provides a specialised mind health network featuring qualified practitioners and the digital platform Mind Healer for psychological support. Apple, too, offers varied medical plans covering both physical and mental health, allowing employees to get counselling virtually or in-person. These initiatives underscore the commitment of businesses to prioritise mental health, offering versatile and accessible resources to support the wellbeing of all employees, including men.
Family-friendly Benefits
Family-friendly benefits are a staple for companies aiming to promote work-life balance that support both male and female employees. These may include:
Flexible Work Arrangements: For parents, flexible work arrangements can be particularly beneficial as they allow for better management of family responsibilities, such as school drop-offs and pick-ups, doctor’s appointments, and family emergencies. By providing employees with the ability to adjust their work schedule to fit their personal needs, companies are promoting a healthier work-life balance and reducing stress levels.
Telecommuting Options: Telecommuting, or the ability to work from home, is another valuable family-friendly benefit that can greatly improve work-life balance for employees. This option can be especially helpful for parents with young children, as it eliminates the need for commuting and allows for more time spent with family. Also leading to reduced stress levels, increased job satisfaction, and higher productivity.
Child-Care Benefits: These benefits can include on-site child care facilities, subsidies for external child care services, or backup child care options for when regular arrangements fall through. On-site child care facilities are crucial for working parents, offering convenience and reliability, reducing commute times, and allowing more quality time with children during breaks.
Alongside flexible and remote work options, Fubon Bank has introduced additional family-friendly benefits, including a HK$30,000 childbirth subsidy and a HK$100,000 education award for employees’ children who excel academically.
As more companies in Hong Kong recognise the importance of gender-specific employee benefits and adopt these progressive policies, we can look forward to a future where every employee, regardless of gender, feels supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential both at work and at home.
The adoption of gender-specific employee benefits is a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Learn more about how MixCare Health can support your organisation’s employee benefit programmes here.
