The Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong has prepared this Guide to help every employer know and follow the very best and most up-to-date employment practices. This version updates and replaces the earlier version that the Federation issued three years ago. We intend to keep abreast of good global employment practices and issue further updates and amendments as they become appropriate.

We believe that all good employers respect and follow the principles in the Guide for all their employees, whether part or full-time, temporary or permanent. But it is a guide only. If, for various good reasons, an employer cannot comply with one or two of the provisions it does not mean that the company is not a good employer.

We sincerely believe in self-regulation of labour matters; while some legislation is no doubt desirable to provide a framework, in the end it is up to individual employers how they behave towards their employees. Good employers attract and retain good employees. Bad employers do not – irrespective of the law.

Hong Kong's prosperity rests with its people. Only through harmonious and cost-effective people management will the SAR survive and flourish. The Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong is the only employers’ group exclusively providing a forum for discussion and debate on employment matters. Since our foundation in 1947 we have served our members and the Community with research, advice and balanced comment. We shall continue to provide and expand these services in the 21st century and beyond.

We welcome and encourage feedback from any reader of this Guide.