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At UOB Hong Kong, a people-first strategy is more than an HR initiative – it serves as a business enabler that strengthens workforce resilience, capability, and engagement while supporting long-term performance.
This article is brought to you by UOB Hong Kong.
Amidst ongoing market volatility and intense competition for talent, UOB Hong Kong recognises that sustained performance depends not only on sound business strategies, but also on a resilient, capable, and engaged workforce that can navigate uncertainty and support the Bank's evolving business priorities and growth ambitions.
Deana Ku, Head of Human Resources, Greater Bay Area, UOB (pictured below), said: “Our ‘People-First Strategy’ is more than an HR initiative. It is a key enabler of our long-term success, reflecting our commitment to fostering a culture of ‘Care, Growth and Trust’. By supporting our people to build resilience, strengthen their capabilities, and realise their full potential, we are creating a workplace where both our people and our business can thrive.”
The impact of this philosophy was validated at the recent Employee Experience Awards 2026, where UOB Hong Kong earned recognition in both Best People-First Strategy and Best Employee Wellness Strategy categories.
Putting care into action
For UOB Hong Kong, care begins with creating an environment where employees can perform sustainably while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
To support this goal, the Bank has introduced flexible practices including ‘Flexi Two’, ‘Family Care Leave’, and remote working arrangements, giving employees greater flexibility to manage work, family, and personal commitments.
These initiatives are reinforced by a holistic wellness framework built around four pillars: physical, mental and emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.
Rather than standalone activities, wellness is delivered through a structured and proactive approach. Throughout the year, employees have access to initiatives ranging from mental resilience programmes and mindfulness support to fitness challenges, financial planning education, and social engagement activities.
The Bank also launched its dedicated ‘Wellness Channel’ to promote awareness, encourage participation, and make wellbeing resources more accessible.
These efforts have supported workforce stability, employee engagement, and sustainable performance.
Equipping employees for growth
Capability development is another central pillar of UOB Hong Kong's people strategy.
The Bank has adopted the 70/20/10 learning model, combining on-the-job experiences, exposure opportunities, and structured education and workshops.
Through learning, coaching, experiential development, and purpose-driven career opportunities, employees are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed.
One highlight initiative has been ‘Project Coaching’. By embedding coaching principles into day-to-day work and project management, teams have strengthened leadership, improved execution effectiveness, and enhanced their ability to drive business outcomes.
Beyond technical capability building, UOB Hong Kong also focuses on helping employees connect personal purpose with organisational values through initiatives such as ‘The UOB Way’ cultural workshop, which has been completed by more than 90% of the workforce.
Building trust through listening and recognition
Trust is the third pillar underpinning the Bank's people-first culture.
To strengthen employee engagement, UOB Hong Kong moved away from traditional annual engagement surveys and introduced a work-anniversary-based listening approach designed to capture employee feedback more frequently and meaningfully.
Recognition initiatives such as ‘UOB Appreciation Months’ and the ‘Better U Festival’ further reinforce a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Leadership sponsorship has been critical to the people strategy's success, with senior leaders visibly participating in and championing wellbeing, engagement, and development initiatives across the organisation.
Looking ahead, UOB Hong Kong will continue to strengthen manager-led engagement, wellbeing, supported by enhanced business coaching capabilities and robust measurement frameworks to ensure sustainable workforce performance and resilience.
Ultimately, the Bank aims to further embed care, growth, and trust into everyday employee experiences and management practices. Through these efforts, the ambition is to sustain a people-first workplace characterised by greater resilience, stability, productivity, and engagement in an ever-evolving business environment.
Photos / UOB Hong Kong
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices – head over to our Behind the Win section!
Ready to be the next winning stars? Join our upcoming HR Excellence Awards to highlight your HR success, or enter the HR Vendors of the Year Awards to showcase your impact on clients’ talent strategies. Reach out to Gloria Yam to learn how you can enter the Awards and stand a chance to win.
We’re also inviting senior HR professionals to join our esteemed panel of judges. If you’re passionate about recognising excellence and shaping the future of the industry, contact Selina Kwok to explore judging opportunities.
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