Letters | Hectic work culture means Hong Kong ‘Great Resignation’ is unlikely

Readers discuss the differences in work values between generations in Hong Kong and the ripple effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Chinese work culture

Letters

Published: 2:30pm, 20 Mar 2022

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The World Economic Forum website recently published an article by KU Leuven professor Galen Watts, who attributes the “Great Resignation” in the West to an awakening of the wish to pursue a passion-driven job, following the disruption of our work routine during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This phenomenon has much do with one’s work values. There are many reasons people choose to work. Some work because they are breadwinners who need to make ends meet, some work to fulfil parental or social expectations and some choose to devote time to upholding social justice.

It is unlikely for those in the first two categories to quit their job for reasons other than higher pay or social status. But once they begin to consider the meaning of work, they will explore new directions.

The fusion of East and West is deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. The Confucian emphasis on diligence and perseverance helps explain the city’s “Lion Rock spirit” that enabled the economic miracles of the 1970s and 1980s. This mindset continues to have great influence on middle-aged employees in Hong Kong.

By contrast, many millennials and younger people have more individualistic ideals and do not mind the slashie lifestyle. Regardless of the mentality, while young people advocate work-life balance and personal well-being, Hong Kong workers keep some of the longest working hours in the world.

The chance of having a Great Resignation in Hong Kong any time soon is slim, mainly because employees are too busy to question the meaning of life and work. Working from home does not give people more breathing space.

The passion paradigm is premised on economic security. Only after we have become financially sound can we afford to be romantic.

Work values are slowly changing, though, amid a reduction in family size. There should be a social awakening on this or we will collectively bear the cost of an abundance of unfilled job vacancies and deep-seated social problems.

John Ng, Lai Chi Kok

Humanity needs resilience to survive

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is appalling, and the ripples it is sending through the energy, banking and commodity sectors are worrisome.

Somehow we have built a global civilisation that is so complex, tangled and fragile that tugging on any one thread can potentially unravel everything. Whether it is a war, pandemic, supply chain crunch or climate change-induced weather, we seem to be stumbling from one hazard to the next.

During the rest of this century, our global population is expected to increase by another 2 billion to 3 billion people. If we want humans to be around for the next several millennia, we need to start thinking about resilience rather than efficiency.

Kent Goodwin, British Columbia, Canada