Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/09/05
By: Wu Hsin-yun and Kay Liu

Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) A total of 39 companies were honored in Taipei on Monday for their efforts to improve the work-life balance for their employees, including one that allowed workers to come in late during the World Cup soccer tournament.

In the Ministry of Labor’s second Work-Life Balance Award ceremony, Labor Minister Kuo Fang-yu (郭芳煜) praised the 39 companies for their measures that seek to allow employees to enjoy a good working environment, have a healthier life and be able to look after their family.

He said the companies have been innovative and ahead of the law in giving workers paid leaves that exceed what is legally required, and this presents a sharp contrast to the ongoing row between labor and business groups over a proposed amendment of the Labor Standards Act on the number of work days in a week and public holidays.

One of the companies that was awarded is Taichung-based Geo Informatics Inc., which gives new employees four days in paid leave, even though employers are not required to do so under the labor law. It also allows workers to start the Chinese New Year holiday a day earlier to avoid congestion on the road, according to the ministry.     [FULL  STORY]