Eleven enterprises took the lead to sign EOC’s Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter
Eleven enterprises took the lead to sign the EOC’s Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers on 6 December 2018, pledging to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. They include Arup, AXA, CLP Holdings Limited, Community Business, Fairwood Holdings Limited, Hiu Kwong Group, Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong, HSBC, Jardine Aviation Services Group, Manulife (International) Limited and Shun Tak Holdings Limited.
Launched by the EOC to encourage employers to realise the benefits of diversity for business, the Charter sets out nine guidelines based on the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO) and the Code of Practice in Employment under the RDO, covering three broad areas – policy, culture and work environment. The EOC will provide signatories with advice on formulating, implementing and reviewing best practices along these goals.
Prof Alfred Chan Cheung-ming, EOC Chairperson, said at the launch ceremony, “More and more companies and organisations are beginning to reckon the contribution ethnic minorities (EM) can make to their operation and development. Thanks to their diverse talents and backgrounds, EM employees often bring innovative solutions to business challenges, from countering drops in productivity to expanding the client base. The Charter therefore aims at both eliminating racial discrimination in the workplace and demonstrating why it makes business sense to foster diversity and inclusion. We hope and we do expect that more enterprises will come on board and join this worthwhile pursuit.”
Companies having operated in Hong Kong for at least a year with Business Registration, charitable organisations, education establishments, medical institutions, chambers of commerce and professional bodies, etc. are all eligible. Signatores can display the signed Charter at the office and use the dedicated Racial Diversity & Inclusion logo on their websites, publications, job advertisements and publicity materials.