Sands China’s unconventional HR strategy to create a happy workplace for employees at all stages

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This article is brought to you by Sands China Ltd.

Staying true to its values of diversity, genuine care and fellowship, the integrated resort operator conceptualised its human capital strategy to connect its employees “as one”.

As the largest integrated resort operator and the largest private employer in Macao, Sands China (SCL) is not only striving for diversification in the areas of business, but also in talent development. For the hospitality conglomerate which boasts more than 26,000 employees of 52 nationalities, maintaining the core brand values and uniformity while respecting individuality and independence have been top priorities.

Based on its values of ‘diversity’, ‘genuine care’, and ‘fellowship’, Sands China grows and develops different types of talent by implementing various innovative HR initiatives, which ultimately engage and connect them to form a unique, cohesive company community.

One of these approaches is the provision of a diverse learning experience for all employees. For example, its first-in-town massive reskilling programme ‘My Way’ offers employees an opportunity to gain new skills in different business sectors. This helps expand their career choices, and build an agile ‘dual/ multi-skilled workforce pool’ to meet the ever-changing business environment.

Meanwhile, under the customised ‘Sands China Integrated Talent Development Programme’ (ITDP) co-developed with Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), high potential middle and senior management are put through well-rounded training programmes with different internal and external exposure opportunities to further develop their leadership and management skills, strategic insights, entrepreneurial spirit, and capacity for innovation.

“As a hospitality company, we have both a responsibility and a desire to build strong connections, through exceptional experiences, and people with whom we have relationships – our employees, suppliers, partners and guests,” says Hongyan Wen, Senior Vice President of HR. “And, our key to success is our employees’ motivation and capability to grow, to learn and to retain knowledge.”

To round off an exceptional career experience, an innovative initiative called the ‘Golden Age Programme’ (GAP) was launched for the elderly team members who are ready to begin a new chapter of their lives. A wide range of post-career benefits, including a guaranteed income, fixed-shift for transiting work life progressively, lifelong employee discounts, free access to activities, and annual health check-ups are offered, ensuring their workplace happiness is extended to their personal life.

Operating a diverse and customer-oriented business, helping employees to strike a good balance between work and wellbeing is key to providing quality services to customers. Embracing the ‘because we care’ service culture, Sands China ensures employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing by offering flexible work arrangements, hosting various occupational safety and health training seminars and workshops, arranging hobby classes and family-friendly initiatives, as well as providing special leave arrangements such as compensation sick leave and voluntary reward leave.

While caring for people, Sands China doesn’t lose sight of safeguarding the environment and the community. By setting new ESG targets, Sands China walks its talk to build a better planet, a respectful and equitable workplace, and be a good corporate citizen. These efforts include:

• Reducing emissions on the path to net zero by 2050,
• Spending abundant hours on volunteer services contributing to the Macao community,
• Promoting gender parity in all management positions, and
• Adopting a zero-tolerance policy for human rights violations and for the prevention of sexual harassment and discrimination.

Seeing the role of HR evolving from a transactional one to a business partner, Wen believes leading with empathy is imperative to help everyone thrive. “As a leader, it is not just about your individual performance or your capability to engage, lead and motivate people,” affirms Wen. “Fundamentally, you need to be a person with genuine and sincere empathy.”

Photos / Sands China Ltd.

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