On 7 January 2016, the EOC released the findings of the “Exploratory Study on Age Discrimination in Employment”, which indicates that age discrimination is a common occurrence in Hong Kong’s workplace. The study also found that there is substantial support among employees across all age groups for legislation against age discrimination. According to the quantitative telephone survey, over one-third of employed persons (35%) have experienced some form of age discrimination at work in the last five years, with mature workers being especially vulnerable. The most common forms of discrimination included receiving lower salaries, being denied a job promotion, and being targeted for redundancy in organisational re-structuring. “With advances in medical technology and science, people are living longer and in better physical conditions. Many would also like to continue working for a longer time,” said Dr. Ferrick CHU, Director, Policy, Research and Training of the EOC. “Despite this, ageist stereotypes remain common, which feed discriminatory behaviour…These perceptions pose a barrier to ensuring that our human resources are best deployed for the city’s continued development.”

The study also examined ways to address the issue of age discrimination, including the feasibility of legislating against such acts. It found that a clear majority of employed respondents (70%) across all age groups and educational levels agreed that there was a need for such legislation, with support being particularly strong (81%) among those aged 20-29. “To enhance understanding, the Commission encourages the Government to closely monitor the prevalence of age discrimination through regular, large-scale surveys, so as to start public discussion on legislating against age discrimination as soon as possible,” reiterated Dr. Chu.

To draw public attention to this important issue, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, published an article in the South China Morning Post on 8 January 2016 and in Ming Pao Daily on 12 January 2016, in which he stressed the importance of shedding stereotypes about age. “Clearly, one can no longer rely on age as an indicator of capability, performance or productivity,” wrote Dr. Chow. “As a matter of fact, it would be to the benefit of employers to proactively engage mature workers, tap into a ready pool of talent, and leverage their experience, skills and enthusiasm.”

Read the press release
Read the op-ed article

To strengthen support for and raise awareness on equal opportunities among the general public, particularly film-lovers, the EOC has launched the micro-film competition, “Stop Discrimination Now • Starting With You And Me”. Participants are invited to produce their own micro-film (between five and eight minutes in length) to express their thoughts on eliminating discrimination as well as promoting equal opportunities, social inclusion and cultural diversity. The deadline for submission is 31 January 2016. The winning videos will be uploaded on the EOC’s YouTube webpage, with the prize presentation ceremony planned for March 2016. Find out more details via the link below!

Details of the EOC micro-film competition 2015
EOC YouTube Channel

To encourage photo enthusiasts to play a part in promoting equal opportunities, by showing different aspects of inclusion and diversity through their works, the EOC is co-organising the Equal Opportunities Photo Competition with 10 tertiary institutions, namely The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, The University of Hong Kong, The Open University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Students of the participating institutions can submit a maximum of three digital photos on the theme of “Equal Opportunities & Inclusivity” on or before 31 January 2016 for a chance to win cash prizes and certificates. Announcement of prize winners will be posted on the EOC website in mid-March 2016, and notification letters will be sent to winners. See the link below for more information.

Details and online application

The EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, has been invited to be the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the Limitless Festival 2016 on 13 January 2016, organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to raise disability and diversity awareness on this campus. The festival will feature a series of performances, sharing, workshops, exhibitions, and other initiatives to enhance understanding about various disability-related issues among students and staff. The EOC has been spreading the messages of equality and diversity in the tertiary education sector, and instigated the formation of the “Network for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities in Local Tertiary Education Institutes”, which provides a platform for discussing equal opportunity issues of common concern and sharing best practices among the institutes.

More about The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Barrier-Free Life: the EOC’s resource webpage on disability issues

The Hong Kong Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Inclusion Awards, organised by Community Business, is now open for nominations! The Awards programme aims at recognising the exceptional dedication and accomplishments of individuals and organisations in promoting LGBT equality and inclusion in the Hong Kong workplace and community. The deadline for nomination is 26 February 2016, with results to be announced on 17 May 2016.

In addition, Community Business is offering the Driving Best Practice in LGBT Workplace Inclusion Workshop Series for those companies which are not yet ready for the Awards but would like to learn more about LGBT Inclusion. For more information, please click on the link below or contact Ivy Wong at ivy.wong@communitybusiness.org for details.

The 2016 Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards