HR Corner Technology leader with the human touch by Alex Chan Flexibility and openness can be the key to developing an admired corporate culture When the standard measures of business success are share price and bottom-line results, companies can often regard the well-being of employees as a secondary concern. However, some employers have opened their eyes to the fact that staff who experience real job satisfaction can be relied on to contribute more and generate healthy long-term profits. Therefore, they have created corporate cultures which support staff to the full and give them the chance to shine. "Creating the best working environment allows employees to perform at their best," says Amy Li, human resources manager for Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Limited (HP). In her view, that begins with altering the physical workspace. Ergonomics are considered but the main aim is to create an open and friendly atmosphere, which encourages communication between all levels of staff. The office area has no doors and employees of different ranks sit close together. "Psychologically, people are hesitant to knock on a door to talk to a supervisor; so our offices don't have such barriers to communication," Ms Li says. Creating the best working environment allows employees to perform at their best Better understanding The result is better working relationships and fewer misunderstandings. HP has also detected a higher level of trust and respect among teams and stronger cooperation. The less formal atmosphere and frequent "coffee talks" also make it easier to discuss progress or problems and to share information. This is all part of the company's commitment to establishing a uniform culture, known as the HP Way, throughout the organisation. "This covers our objectives, shared values, and standards of conduct which outline how staff should work," says Ms Li. In a global business, it helps to ensure that all employees are moving in the same direction towards the same goals. All the key principles are taught in an orientation programme, with reminders prominently displayed around the office on posters and in murals. To ensure the objectives are being met, all staff complete an annual "voice of the workforce" survey. A third-party company conducts this to ensure confidentiality, and it provides regular feedback on the issues currently of concern to employees. Garage culture Another tool used to boost team spirit is a video about the company's history. This is shown before in-house social events to remind staff they are part of a significant enterprise. "HP started in a Californian garage in 1939 where our founders developed the rules of the 'garage culture' that are still followed today," says Ms Li. She is referring in particular to the flexible work environment in the office, which doesn't tie people to one desk. "Most employees have notebook computers and the offices have wireless Internet connections, so they can work anywhere they feel comfortable," she explains. Employees have the option of working in either one of the two Hong Kong offices, or even from home, if necessary. The working hours are also flexible — a necessary consideration for a global operation. "If working on a project with colleagues overseas, it is sometimes more practical for staff to work, for example, from 1pm to 9pm," says Ms Li. "The company realises it is important to allow employees to define what best suits their needs." There is also a special emphasis on social activities and family. Recently, the HP social committee organised a screening of Ice Age 2, a movie resulted from a partnership between HP and DreamWorks Pictures. It was also an opportunity for employees and their families to get together. "Our emphasis on family is very important," says Ms Li. "It is another feature of our unique culture — one of the reasons why we have so many long-service employees." Salient points - An open work environment encourages communication between staff and better working relationships - A defined set of objectives and values ensures all employees are working towards the same goals - Regular surveys are used to measure employee satisfaction - Familiarising staff with the company's history creates a stronger connection - A flexible work environment allow employees to decide what suits them best - Social events involving families help to build long-term commitment Taken from Career Times 30 June 2006, p. A18 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]