Written by MixCare Health Team —
Welcome to the third and final article in our series exploring 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. In this article, we will focus on exploring employee benefits (EBs) designed to address the specific requirements of employees with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds within the workforce. By providing inclusive wellness benefits, organizations can foster a supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Employees with Disabilities
Currently, Hong Kong is home to approximately 400,000 individuals who live with various forms of disabilities. Employees with disabilities often face numerous challenges in the workplace, from physical barriers to inadequate support for their specific needs. Progressive companies in Hong Kong are increasingly including benefits such as flexible working hours, ergonomic workspaces designed for accessibility, and technology that assists in communication and mobility. This includes providing materials in various formats (e.g., Braille, large print, audio) ensuring that all employees can access information, or when renovating new office space, accessible facilities with wide doorways, ramps instead of steps, accessible restrooms with sufficient space, and lower placement of handles and switches. These tailored benefits not only help in accommodating employees with disabilities but also in leveraging their unique talents, thereby enriching the workplace.
For instance, Manulife has demonstrated its commitment to disability inclusion by offering internships to individuals with disabilities, conducting employee sensitivity training to create an accessible and inclusive environment and providing necessary workplace accommodations, such as installing adjustable desks, acquiring tools for accessibility, and building walkabouts in the entire office building.
LGBTQ+ Community
For the LGBTQ+ community, inclusive benefits are essential for fostering a supportive and equitable workplace. Progressive companies are offering comprehensive health benefits that include medical coverages (dental, vision, and sometimes life insurance benefits) for same-sex partners, support services for gender transition such as hormonal therapy, mental health counseling, and coverage for various surgeries related to gender affirmation. The extent of coverage can vary; some plans may cover all aspects and associated costs, while others might cover only certain procedures or a portion of the costs. Such initiatives ensure that all employees, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel valued and supported.
HSBC has taken a significant step by implementing an LGBTQ+ allyship training program that educates employees on how to be effective allies in the workplace. This training includes understanding LGBTQ+ issues, using appropriate language, and taking action to support their colleagues, thereby ensuring that all employees, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel valued and supported. Additionally, HSBC allows same-sex and unmarried heterosexual couples to be named as beneficiaries for their insurance products, a practice that was previously unheard of in Hong Kong’s life insurance industry.
Following in these inclusive footsteps, Manulife also recognizes the evolving definition of “family.” The company supports this broader view by enabling same-sex partners to purchase life insurance policies for their loved ones, further embracing and supporting the diversity of family structures.
Ethnicity and Religion
Employees from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds may face distinct challenges and have specific cultural needs. Companies can support these employees by offering benefits such as flexible time off for cultural and religious holidays, employee resource groups for specific ethnicities, and diversity and inclusion training to promote understanding and respect among colleagues.
For example, Cathay Pacific has introduced an inclusive and welcoming multi-faith prayer room within their working environment at their head office in Cathay City to recognize, respect and accommodate the religious and spiritual practices of their diverse staff. Additionally, Berlitz Hong Kong provides language training courses for corporations, which supports employees who might be non-native speakers of the predominant office language. This not only aids in their personal and professional development but also enhances communication and integration within teams.
Why is it important to provide diversity and inclusion benefits for companies?
Providing diversity and inclusion benefits is crucial for companies for several reasons:
- Attracting and retaining top talent: By offering inclusive benefits, companies can attract a wider pool of qualified candidates and retain employees who feel valued and supported.
- Improving employee well-being: Addressing the unique needs of diverse employees can help improve their overall well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
- Fostering a positive work culture: Inclusive benefits demonstrate a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a positive work culture that values and respects all employees.
- Enhancing company reputation: Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are often viewed more favorably by customers, investors, and the general public, leading to improved brand reputation and business outcomes.
As the workforce continues to become more diverse, it is essential for companies to offer wellness benefits that cater to the unique needs of employees from different genders, abilities, and backgrounds. Tailoring employee benefits to meet the unique needs of different groups within the workforce is not just a matter of policy—it’s a strategic approach that enhances operational effectiveness and contributes to a more equitable society.
Discover how MixCare Health can enhance your organization’s employee benefit programs to support this comprehensive approach to diversity here.
