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Through the ‘Sino Women Connect' (SWC), the Group aims to connect female workforce of diverse backgrounds at all levels, and create an inclusive, supportive work environment.
Dedicated to establishing a supportive and equitable workplace environment, while valuing the physical and mental wellbeing of its female employees, Hong Kong property developer Sino Group has recently introduced ‘Sino Women Connect (SWC)’, an initiative designed to cultivate connections among female colleagues from various age groups, positions, and backgrounds.
Supported by senior leaders, the multifaceted SWC programme combines wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities, and family-focused policies to cater to the common interests and needs of female employees.
Sharing exclusively with HRO’s Tracy Chan, Elaine Liu, Group Associate Director and Chief Human Resources Officer, Sino Group, says: “We hope this cross-functional initiative can foster wellbeing and professional development among female colleagues and, at the same time, empower them to confidently realise their full potential within a safe and fair working environment.”
As the first activity of the SWC initiative, the Group has recently organised its ‘Women’s Circle Gathering’.
Themed ‘The Multiple Roles of Women’, the afternoon tea event provided a platform for female colleagues from various business units and teams to come together, and share their experiences and emotions on the diverse roles women play in the workplace and personal lives within a relaxed and trusting environment. Topics such as the importance of self-care, strategies for effectively managing time and prioritising tasks, as well as techniques for staying resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, colleagues and friends were discussed.
“It was an important step in establishing connections among our female colleagues. I am delighted to see their active participation, enthusiasm and engagement at this event. Within two days of launching the activity invite, we received very encouraging enrolment from different business units and teams,” shares Liu.
“Feedback from participants reflected gratitude for an atmosphere of honesty and generosity in exchanging ideas, and the feeling that the activity helped to build lasting bonds between them.”
Apart from the tea gathering, as part of SWC, a series of wellness activities and relaxed social gatherings are also in place, including yoga and meditation workshops, farm workshops, as well as seminars on women's empowerment topics, providing a comfortable setting for female employees to build connections and engage in open, meaningful conversations.
'Farm Together' workshops is part of the Sino Women Connect wellness activities.
In addition, the Group has implemented a ‘Women’s Mentorship Programme’, pairing female employees at the Assistant General Manager level or above with younger colleagues with less than eight years of work experience. Through regular communication and meetings, this initiative empowers younger female employees to recognise their capabilities and potential in the workplace while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“We hope that this holistic approach can be instrumental in empowering our female workforce of diverse backgrounds at all levels, and in creating an inclusive, supportive work environment as we work together towards a better future,” reiterates Liu.
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
In fact, the introduction of the SWC initiative is built on the foundation of the Group’s bigger commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Under its DEI efforts, gender equality has been an important component.
“Gender equity, diversity and inclusion are key elements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and these concerns have been gaining traction across different sectors of society,” elaborates Liu.
“In the business context, they help companies nurture talent, enhance competitiveness, and promote harmony within the wider community. Society as a whole benefits when equality, diversity and inclusion are prioritised.”
Committed to pursuing sustainable development and keeping pace with international standards, she indicates that the aims of SWC have been strongly supported by Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the ESG Steering Committee, Nikki Ng, the Group’s Director of Philanthropy, along with other members of the management team at Sino Group.
“With this top-down commitment, we are confident that this multifaceted initiative can yield positive results in promoting gender equity, diversity and inclusion.”
As a working mom herself, Liu deeply understands the unique challenges modern working women face in juggling their professional and personal responsibilities.
Recognising the crucial roles women play at home and in the workplace, Liu says that in addition to the SWC, the Group has implemented various policies and measures to support working mothers, including an extended maternity leave of 18 weeks and 10 days of parental leave within the first year after childbirth, helping women strike a balance between their work and family needs.
To reaffirm the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive working environment and community that provides equal opportunities for women, the Group has introduced several other activities to promote gender equity, diversity and inclusion in its corporate culture in recent years.
As a part of its ‘Diversity and Inclusion Month’, the Group has actively collaborated NGOs and social enterprises in initiatives like ‘Mental Wellness x Herbal Workshop’, ‘Gender Equality x Career Journey Talk’, ‘Sikh Temple Tour’, ‘Dialogue in the Dark’, and more. All these activities aim to broaden the positive impact beyond the workplace.
A 'Gender Equality x Career Journey Talk' was held during the 'Diversity and Inclusion Month', with female guests from diverse backgrounds to share insights on women's empowerment.
This year, Sino Land has also become a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, a collaborative initiative between UN Women and the UN Global Compact.
These efforts have made evident results.
Currently, the employee-gender ratio at Sino Group is nearly 1:1, while over 40% of management positions are held by women. The Group is committed to maintaining a gender balance in all management positions by 2030.
Furthermore, Sino Land has earned recognition as a Gold Employer in the Women Workplace Index, which is an indicator that evaluates women’s workplace representation and practices among listed companies and other employers, with support from Hong Kong's Equal Opportunity Commission.
Meanwhile, to create an equal, inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can shine and showcase their unique talents, Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sino Group, has partnered with educational organisations to enhance the wellbeing and upward mobility of underserved children from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong with resources and support.
The Group also offers a management trainee programme every year to nurture young talents, as well as provides employment opportunities across its business and on-the-job training for people from ethnic minorities, the elderly, and individuals with varying abilities, to encourage self-direction and the confidence to contribute their valuable skills.
Looking ahead, Liu affirms: “Sino Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an even more diverse, equitable and inclusive corporate culture.
"Through deepening partnerships and innovative initiatives, we aspire to expand the positive impact of championing equality, inclusivity and diversity both within the organisation and across the wider community.”
All photos / Provided
(Lead photo: Nikki Ng, Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group (second right) and Elaine Liu, Group Associate Director and Chief Human Resources Officer of Sino Group (second left), engaged in frank dialogue and exchanged ideas with employees from various departments while enjoying high tea at the hotel.)
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