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This sees the tramcar operator improve HR operational efficiency by implementing HR digitalisation, and foster a culture where everyone feels valued.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tramways
Back in 1904, the first-generation single-deck tramcars started running in Hong Kong and Hong Kong Tramways is celebrating its 120th this year. Affectionately nicknamed “Ding Ding” by the locals, originating from the distinctive sound of the tram bell, this iconic and beloved means of transportation has been trundling through the city for 120 years and has witnessed the development of Hong Kong, symbolising both heritage and resilience.
Nowadays, backed by RATP Dev, its parent company, Hong Kong Tramways continues its journey with a fleet of 165 tramcars, carrying up to 200,000 passengers across Hong Kong Island every day. While preserving history, the transport operator is also committed to a sustainable future for its business and people by embracing change and innovation with new technologies and the company’s dynamic HR approaches.
“We’re not just here to be part of the heritage; we aim to create history along the way,” affirms Kay Yeung, Head of Human Resources, Administration & Sustainability, Hong Kong Tramways.
Recognising the challenges amidst the ever-changing business environment, Hong Kong Tramways upholds its four values of 'daring', 'united', 'effective', and 'caring', making strategic moves in many aspects to enhance organisation effectiveness, talent engagement, and employee experience.
Starting from the HR operations, the focus has been on aligning the overall goals of corporate transformation and digitalisation, with the future focus on connecting its talent management systems with other entities in different countries within the Group. Thus, Hong Kong Tramways has driven HR digitalisation by implementing four HR systems to streamline workflow and improve operational efficiency.
These include an HRMS to execute professional HR operations, an employee self-service platform to serve as a key point of contact, a re-designed 'Tram Tram App' to enable two-way communication and offer training to all staff, as well as the digital talent acquisition system 'Digital Recruiter' to provide comprehensive end-to-end recruitment functions and modified functions that better support its strategic people plan.
To support the growth of the business, an effective change leadership strategy is essential. The tramway operator has built a young and energetic leadership team, especially having invited an outstanding woman leader to the management team to demonstrate the change of leadership. The extended leadership team has been formed featuring potential successors in every department, who will be nurtured and mentored for succession among management leaders. To further empower its staff, the middle management team has also been formed to encourage collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.
As a labour-intensive sector that relies heavily on skilled on-site technicians and tram operators, being more attractive and welcoming for all employees and candidates, particularly frontline staff, is important. Hong Kong Tramways has, therefore, been actively promoting its employer brand externally to highlight its culture where everyone feels valued and is proud of being “Made in Hong Kong.”
The caring culture has also been embodied internally through enhanced employee experience.
With the support of Paul Tirvaudey, Managing Director, Hong Kong Tramways, and Yeung, (both pictured below), the ‘WeCare’ programme has been launched. Focusing on implementing best practices to advocate health, safety, and quality of life at work, the programme goes beyond the physical working environment and extends to employees’ mental and social wellbeing.
Paul Tirvaudey, Managing Director (left), and Kay Yeung, Head of Human Resources, Administration & Sustainability (right), Hong Kong Tramways
Meanwhile, employees’ contributions have also been recognised and rewarded with other engagement initiatives, including workplace enhancement, improved compensation and benefits, and family care initiatives.
The tramcar operator believes HR plays a pivotal role in strengthening the connection between an organisation and its employees. As both the industry and labour market evolve rapidly, HR must remain agile and responsive to the shifting demands of the market, as well as anticipate and effectively address the changing needs of the workforce. In the long run, the connection between an organisation and its employees is a two-way street, demonstrated through mutual respect and company initiatives.
Tirvaudey emphasises: “In our industry, and especially in this company, success can only be collective. This is the reason why the attitude of every one of our employees is critical in building a bright future for Hong Kong Tramways.”
Yeung concludes: “You'll be amazed at what we have accomplished and what we can achieve together. We, Hong Kong Tramways, will continue to make Hong Kong proud!"
Photos / Hong Kong Tramways
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