Stepping up for diversity

When Jeff Ho joined the Swire Group in 2022 as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ("DE&I") Officer, he found a sense of purpose. Jeff, who has a visual impairment, is passionate about creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.

What does your day job entail? 

As a DE&I Officer, I research what other industry leaders are doing in this area, so we can benchmark our own performance. Say, if we want to launch a new policy or revise an existing policy. And I work on data analysis. For example, I prepare and analyse employee data for initiatives like our annual sustainability report and the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index.

I also work on DE&I events, such as International Women's Day and Pride Month. So far, I am most proud of our "Human Library" event for Pride Month. Participants had the opportunity to engage with and deepen their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community; it was the first event I organised independently. The feedback was very positive, and it was rewarding to see people smiling and enjoying the experience.

How did you end up in Swire's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team?
After university, I took part in a disability-inclusive recruitment fair hosted by CareER – a Hong Kong-based NGO providing job-matching services for employers and people with disabilities and special educational needs. That's where I met the Swire recruitment team, who were hiring a DE&I Officer. I was drawn to the role because I wanted to use my story to inspire others facing similar challenges.

You’ve had a diverse career path. What have you learned from working in so many different roles?
My career spans inflight services, business improvement, country management, commercial, and now digital. I’m constantly learning to adapt to different jobs and different workplaces.

I’ve learned that, as an effective leader, you need to adjust your leadership and communication style. For example, generally speaking the inflight service team is customer-facing, hence typically extroverted, whilst we see more introverted people in teams such as IT and digital. Whether a colleague wants to discuss a problem over a coffee on the spot; or prefers to take the time to let it sink in and then communicate via Slido, Teams or emails – no one style is better than the other. The key is to be empathetic with people’s needs and preferences.

How do you think Swire stacks up when it comes to DE&I practices?
When I started my job, I immediately sensed that Swire had an inclusive culture. I didn't speak up much at first, but my teammates encouraged me to express my views, which made me feel supported.

Looking at DE&I more broadly, Swire accommodates special arrangements, like accessibility equipment, as well as flexible working and parental leave. We also regularly organise events to raise awareness and respect for people of different backgrounds. When it comes to gender equality, Swire was the only Hong Kong company listed on the 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, which measures several factors, such as female leadership, gender pay parity and inclusivity.

Jeff speaking at an internal lunch and learn session focused on exploring the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why does having a diverse and inclusive workplace matter?
People can only reach their full potential when they can be themselves and enjoy their workplace. And that can only happen in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. DE&I also helps attract and retain talent, especially with the newer generations who value equity, fairness and diversity. A diverse and inclusive workplace is crucial for Swire's long-term business development.

Are there any upcoming projects you're excited about?
Yes, definitely! I am currently working on Swire's first DEIB [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging] assessment, which evaluates our DE&I performance and identifies areas for improvement. Based on the insights from the assessment, Swire plans to develop a multi-year plan to enhance DEIB practices across the entire Group – it's a valuable initiative that will further improve workplace culture and the employee experience.

Any words of wisdom for job hunters?
I follow a 0.1 percent philosophy: even with slim odds, I keep pushing, knowing I can achieve my goals with enough effort. In 2023, I collected Swire's award as a Disability Inclusive Employer at CareER's recruitment fair, where many job-seekers expressed concerns about disclosing their disabilities. If you can do the job, be confident. Don't hesitate to share your disability or ask to be accommodated – there are workplaces ready to support you, just as Swire did for me.

In your personal life, what makes you feel most fulfilled?
Learning and travelling. I enjoy exploring new places and trying the local food. And when I learn new things, I feel a sense of achievement. This year, I learned how to ski and skate, so I am very proud of myself!