Hong Kong equality watchdog urges employers to tailor workplace to staff with dementia
Advice from Equal Opportunities Commission includes giving staff with condition familiar tasks and putting up clear workplace signage
Minimising noise distractions and putting up clear workplace signage are among measures employers can take to better care for staff suffering from dementia, Hong Kong’s equality watchdog has said, warning against discrimination targeting those with the condition.
The Equal Opportunities Commission on Thursday released the “How to Support Employees with Dementia at Work – A Practical Guide for Employer”, aimed at raising public awareness and establishing more accommodating workplaces.
The guide suggests employers introduce measures such as creating a space for people with dementia to take time out when they feel overwhelmed, adopting labelling and colour-coding systems to assist in organising work and incorporating written or verbal reminders into their daily tasks.
The recommendations also include employers breaking down large tasks into multiple smaller steps for staff, offering regular rest breaks, retaining familiar job tasks for those with dementia, and adjusting responsibilities to better align with employees’ abilities.
“The purpose of this guide is to promote a better understanding of dementia and the working population with the condition, and offer guidance for employers on supporting employees with dementia and those caring for them,” said Henry Shie Wai-hung, a member of the commission.
Dementia is an umbrella term referring to various degenerative brain syndromes affecting people’s memory, thinking, behaviour and emotions.
