HK Express believes in uplifting the employee journey through listening and understanding

Instead of being imposed from the top down, culture is curated by its people through interactions, ways of working, and sharing of ideas.

This article is brought to you by HK Express

With the vision of being the leading best practice low-cost carrier (LCC) in Asia, HK Express recognises the importance of creating meaningful work as part of navigating the future of work.

In a generation where talents seek purposeful work, to attract and retain top talent, it is crucial to go beyond surface-level solutions and address the fundamental needs that drive individuals to seek meaningful employment. In that sense, HK Express focuses on creating purpose-driven work that appeals to individuals from various professions with diverse objectives, and on finding the right talent who can contribute their unique skills and perspectives towards the shared goals.

"Before taking any action, we must genuinely ponder over our commitment to embracing the future of work. How serious are we about this endeavour, and are we truly prepared?” asks Vivian So, HK Express People Director. “Only commence crafting a comprehensive strategy once consensus is reached on these questions.”

HK Express believes another key to creating a great place to work is to actively listen to employees, understand their needs and aspirations, and constantly seek ways to enhance their journey. “We must dig deeper into why people choose to join our organisation in the first place,” Vivian says. By doing so, the company can align its core values with the motivations of talents, and create a workplace that resonates with their aspirations.

An engagement survey, therefore, plays a vital role. At HK Express, the focus of the engagement survey goes beyond just the scores, but ensures the voices of its people are heard and incorporated into the decision-making process. Through regular reviews of the feedback collected, the airline can gain deeper insights into employees' experiences, identify areas where it can make positive changes, and develop corresponding action plans to address the needs timely.

In situations where certain suggestions or ideas may face challenges in implementation, HK Express will take the approach of openly explaining the reasons, proactively seeking solutions, and breaking down barriers to do the right things for employees and the organisation.

“Our aim is to continuously foster an environment where our core values shine through, and our employees feel heard, valued, and supported,” reiterates Vivian.

To develop a sustainable people-oriented culture, she affirms it is essential to adapt and let go of outdated practices – stop looking back at the good old days, and instead, embrace the future with openness and a willingness to change.

“By being forward-thinking and agile, we can effectively respond to new challenges and opportunities that arise in the ever-evolving talent landscape. The ability to adapt, move on, and enjoy the new normal is essential for leading HK Express into the future of work.”

HK Express team’s continuous efforts to create a remarkable workplace have been well-recognised at the recent HR Distinction Awards 2023 in Hong Kong, with the company winning gold awards for ‘Excellence in Employee Engagement’ and ‘Excellence in Employer Branding’; as well as silver for ‘Excellence in Employee Care & Wellbeing’ and ‘Excellence in Workplace Culture’.

“For us, UO culture is not something imposed from the top down; it is a culture that is curated by our people through their interactions, ways of working, and the sharing of ideas. The shared experience among all our team members is what makes our culture so special,” shares Vivian.

“These awards serve as a reminder that the collective impact we make as a team is significant and encourages us to continue striving for excellence.”

Photos / HK Express