Asian perspective: diversity, equity and inclusion in Taiwan

When it comes to sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the airport industry, people always relate it to environmental protection and carbon reduction. In fact, talent development also matters when it relates to SDGs. To foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where different talents, cultures and perspectives can be embraced, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Corporation (TIAC) is committed to ‘make people heard, balance work and life, establish equity in the workplace and provide diverse training programmes.’ These efforts aim to enable its 700 employees to play to their strengths in positions that suit them so that they can grow alongside the company.

Make people feel heard and respected, like at home

In order to listen to employee voices more closely, TIAC regularly holds cross-level communication meetings and coffee breaks with the CEO to allow employees to exchange opinions. In 2022, TIAC also launched an online feedback platform where employees can express their concerns and opinions at any time. Furthermore, team-building activities will be routine to bringing our colleges together, including family days, social events with main stakeholders such as airlines and celebratory gatherings for birthdays or retirements.

Work-life balance

Recognising the importance of work-life balance, TIAC goes beyond the legal requirement by offering paid leave that includes family care, menstrual health and medical rehabilitation. Additionally, TIAC provides comprehensive support for employees throughout their pregnancy and childcare journey. This includes a maternity health protection programme, ensuring a safe working environment during pregnancy, post-natal stages and breastfeeding. To assist with childcare, TIAC offers professional daycare services for children aged zero to six. Furthermore, employees can benefit from flexible working hours, allowing them to tailor their schedules to their individual needs. TIAC prioritises the physical and mental wellbeing of employees through regular blood donation drives, vaccine administration and health check-ups. A dedicated counselling hotline staffed by professional counsellors is also offered to all employees for free.

Equity

Aligning with Taiwan’s progressive stance as the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage, TIAC positively shapes an equal corporate culture. A gender equality policy has introduced that members from all committees of TIAC shall see over a third (more than 30%) of managerial positions being held by women. TIAC also ensures inclusivity in recruitment by prioritising individuals with disabilities or from minority groups, such as indigenous communities, in accordance with legal employment ratios. By fostering a diverse and inclusive team, TIAC aims to stimulate innovation and generate a variety of perspectives, ensuring each staff feel respected and included. Non-discrimination is the most essential gene of our culture.

Providing diverse training programmes

To help employees from different backgrounds continuously improve their professional skills and expand their field of study, TIAC offers a broad range of training courses, including core airport practices, crisis management and team-building workshops. Employee assistance courses such as nutrition lectures and stress-relief experiences are provided to promote employee wellbeing. TIAC has leveraged online learning platforms, an online library, and an online English learning platform, allowing employees to engage in self-directed learning anytime, anywhere. Additionally, TIAC implements employee personality assessments to help individuals discover themselves, appreciate individual differences, and understand how to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds within the team to achieve goals.

TIAC views its employees as valuable assets and will continue to promote more diversity and inclusion-related initiatives to create a work environment that is challenging, open and diverse, becoming a world-class company that its employees can be proud of.