Commentary

Flexible working brings benefits for the environment

Anyone who breathes the air in Central at rush-hour knows that traditional working practices are not good for the environment. It's no secret that Hong Kong's vehicle emissions pollute our air and worsen commuters' health.

Commentary

Flexible working brings benefits for the environment

Commentary

The battle for more work-life balance in banking

Banking and work-life balance (WLB) have traditionally been anathema to each other – after all, this is a sector famous for the 80-hour week. But a shift in attitudes may be slowly taking place in Hong Kong, driven mainly by a desire to motivate employees and reduce attrition.

Commentary

The bailout theater in Europe will continue indefinitely

The bailout showcase in Europe will continue indefinitely, because strong economic growth is a fantasy and austerity is politically untenable. As hopes for viable, sustainable solutions fail, expect the authorities to print money. And print BIG!

Commentary

Develop leaders to prosper

The diversity of global organizations has given Hong Kong an edge in human resource development. If you look at Corporate Knight’s Global 100 list1, you will find many organizations with a significant presence in Hong Kong. Every one of these organizations is unique. To prosper, top organizations focus on developing leaders who share common values.

Commentary

Aviation’s green flight path and carbon challenge

Airports connect air and ground transportation systems, and provide the stimulus for economic growth, international trade and social development.

Commentary

Bring your own device at work!

One of the results of the rise of mobile devices and the consumerization of enterprise IT is that today's employees have increased expectations and demands of the devices they use for work. According to the Citrix Workshifting Index, a Citrix research study released this year, 92 per cent of companies report that they were aware their employees were using personal devices for at least some work-related tasks.

Commentary

Hong Kongers should be freed from commuting

It's hardly surprising that commuting is regarded as one of the least enjoyable things in life. Often a fruitless limbo between personal and work time, commuting has been identified as one of the main causes of daily stress: lengthy journeys of over 45 minutes are associated with poor sleep quality, exhaustion and health problems.

Commentary

Have you ever wondered how the price of gold is manipulated?

If you are wondering how the price of gold is manipulated, this analysis is for you.

Commentary

Art HK: Inspiring the next generation of art dealers

So art is now big business in Hong Kong. The fifth Art HK Fair held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-20th May broke all previous attendance records. In its five year history, the fair has always had a good number of multi-million dollar deals and this year was no exception with 266 exhibitors reporting brisk trade. All of this ties in nicely with Hong Kong’s stated intention to become an arts hub for Asia. When the government announces a new capital project in the cultural sector these days, odds-on it’s an “arts hub”.

Commentary

Hong Kong to brace for threatening challenges by 2020

Can Hong Kong hold its competitive position by relying on an open economy, low taxes, rule of law, and excellent infrastructure?

Commentary

Design education in a post-disciplinary world

A designer is an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist and evolutionary strategist.

Commentary

My Asset?

You buy a liability policy and figure, "That's it I'm covered. If I'm sued, my insurance will take care of it." You hope!

Commentary

Despite the downbeat market, some jobs are still staying strong in Hong Kong

Global economic uncertainty is taking an obvious toll on employment in Hong Kong financial services this year, with cost controls creating redundancies and reducing recruitment, especially at international firms. But that’s not to say the market is completely moribund. A few functions, including those featured below, continue to experience comparatively healthy hiring, all be it typically at lower levels than last year.

Commentary

Why Hong Kong should fear Singapore more than Shanghai

If you desire an animated dinner, start a debate about why some countries are rich while others are poor. Asia is the ideal battle ground for this debate: the region has developed and emerging economies, modern and backward nations, democracies and dictatorships. Many Asian countries were poor just 50 years ago, but are now among the richest in the world – Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. And some got poorer in the same period – Sri Lanka, Philippines, Myanmar and North Korea. China is now half way, and on the way up.

Commentary

Sudden departures mean loss of road maps for Hong Kong companies

The departure of Ina Drew, Chief Investment Officer at JP Morgan Chase, reminds us that things move fast and mercilessly in the world of business. She had been with the company for 30 years. But as the senior manager in charge of the London group (including the colourfully named “London Whale” trader) who made the disastrous bets that caused the US$2 billion debacle, she had to go.

Commentary

Are you satisfied with your work/life balance?

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the issue of work-life balance. Governments, institutions and individual businesses have recognised that achieving a healthy balance not only boosts workers' health and morale, but also their productivity, ultimately benefitting the business too.

Commentary

Are you happy with your bonuses?

The employment market in financial services in Hong Kong and China has been fairly moribund since the third quarter of last year, but when it comes to bonuses the picture is more complex: some employees enjoyed a rise; high-earning bankers suffered the worst decreases; and while firms generally managed expectations well, many employees ended up dissatisfied with the size and structure of their bonuses.

Commentary