Starting in 2010, The Link REIT has increased our investments in the training and development of our workforce. Since the onset of direct management approach in November 2009, we have been investing to improve property management services, which has culminated in the launch of The Link Staff Academy in July 2010. Other staff training and individual development programs are offered to promote professionalism and personal growth of staff, such as supervising skills, performance management skills, language application skills, computer system operation, industry best practice sharing, overseas site visits, and outdoor team building workshops.
The Link REIT has tried to build a corporate culture based on open communication and transparency. Perhaps the best evidence of proactive staff engagement is the introduction of the corporate blog site – YourVoice.com. Staff can submit blog posts anonymously on topics ranging from questions about year-end bonuses, to proposals for establishing a Link football team and suggestions on nearby restaurants for lunch. The blogs are actively monitored by the Human Resources Department, who will alert the respective departments or divisions to respond as necessary and as quickly as possible.
Another means of building a corporate culture and fostering a sense of belonging is to provide staff with opportunities to strengthen camaraderie and team spirit, such as the anniversary party at the Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland for staff members and their families. Also, a Staff Work-Life Balance Centre with recreational facilities such as gym equipment and pool table is available for staff members and their families.
The Link REIT has decided to expand our university recruitment programme. We hope the programme will help develop a group of indigenous grown and trained pool of talent which may eventually rise into senior management roles.