Saint Francis University - Press Release - SFU and Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service Release Study Calling on Enterprises to Jointly Build Carer-Friendly Workplaces 2026-06-26

As Hong Kong's population continues to age, the number of working carers is steadily increasing. These individuals shoulder workplace responsibilities while also caring for frail older persons, persons with disabilities, or children with special educational needs, often under considerable pressure. To explore ways to support this vital segment of the workforce, the Carer Research and Development Centre (CRC) of Saint Francis University (SFU) and the Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service (YMMSS) jointly organised the Carer-Friendly Workplace Seminar and Workshop. The event presented the latest research findings and provided a platform for exchange with corporate representatives on practical experience.

At the event, SFU Vice-President (Research and Development) Professor Lo Tit-wing and Director of YMMSS Mr Lam Chun-ming highlighted the importance of the carer issue to Hong Kong society and business development. Both speakers expressed hope that the study would provide an evidence-based foundation for employers to help foster a carer-friendly workplace culture.

Professor Chong Ming-lin, Research Professor of the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences and Director of the CRC at SFU, presented the study's key findings. Launched in 2025, the research adopted a sequential mixed-methods design, beginning with a questionnaire survey of employers and management from 122 companies, followed by 19 in-depth interviews on the implementation, considerations, and challenges of carer-friendly measures in Hong Kong enterprises.

Most employers (84%) expressed support for working carers, with an average support score of 4.14 out of 555, and showed strong awareness of the challenges they face, including time constraints, psychological stress, and physical fatigue. Among the 66 companies that had implemented relevant measures, over 92.4% of respondents reported positive outcomes, including higher staff morale and satisfaction, better work-family balance, stronger team cohesion and loyalty, as well as lower staff turnover and reduced recruitment and training costs. The findings show that carer-friendly measures are not merely welfare expenses, but investments that can generate tangible business returns.

The study also found that many companies have introduced measures, such as flexible working hours, adjusted schedules, individually negotiated arrangements, carer leave, job reallocation, and inclusive workplace practices. However, these measures are still largely informal, case-based, and reversible, often depending on industry characteristics. By contrast, formal rights-based support such as carer allowances and custodial services remains uncommon, highlighting a lack of consistency and institutionalisation. For companies that have yet to introduce such measures, key challenges include the absence of clear implementation plans, manpower shortages, industry-specific constraints, and concerns about fairness, pointing to structural difficulties in day-to-day operations and resource allocation.

Professor Chong noted that Hong Kong faces a paradox of "willingness without capacity" in promoting carer-friendly workplaces — while employers are generally willing to help, they often lack systematic frameworks and supporting resources. In addition, employees may not disclose their caregiving responsibilities, making it harder for companies to identify actual needs. She said, "Promoting carer-friendly workplaces cannot rest on employers alone. It requires the joint efforts of businesses, the Government, NGOs and academia to develop support models that are flexible, sustainable and practical, and to build a more resilient working environment together."

Roundtable Discussion and Experience Workshop: Fostering Cross-Sector Dialogue and Practical Application
Following the press conference, a roundtable discussion was held, featuring Ms Joyce Lee, Vice President (Secretary) of the SME Sustainability Society (SMESS) and Managing Director of Sze Wo Chaan Gas Co. Ltd., and Ms May Lau, Director of Social Impact of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, as guest speakers. The session was moderated by Professor Chong Ming-lin and Mr Lin Ching-to, Head of Corporate Communication and Development Department of YMMSS. The two guests shared their respective companies' experiences and considerations in implementing carer-friendly measures, and exchanged views with attendees on how cross-sector collaboration could integrate support for working carers into corporate human resources and sustainability strategies.

The event also featured a Carer-Friendly Workplace Seminar and Workshop introducing a series of "low-cost, easy-to-implement, sustainable" stress-reduction techniques that are not restricted by location (including within the workplace). Employers were encouraged to help their staff manage stress and emotions more effectively during work hours, promoting employee physical and mental well-being.

The organisers expressed their hope that this research release and exchange event would facilitate collaboration among businesses, the government, non-governmental organisations, and academia, integrating carer-friendly measures and culture into human resources and sustainable development strategies, and jointly creating a sustainable, win-win workplace culture.