The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said there's a lack of family-friendly employment practices in Hong Kong.

That finding came in a survey of 1,000 family members of employees and 400 human resources professionals in July and August last year.

The study found that most family members want flexible hours, a five-day week and work-from-home arrangements for their family members.

Executive director Ferrick Chu said that despite support from HR professionals for the former two measures, implementation still required endorsement from senior management.

For leave that is beyond what's stated in the Employment Ordinance, HR professionals said that is not difficult to implement, he said, "as long as the employer agrees".

Chu added that most of them say they aren't afraid of abuse as there are ways to handle such issues, such as asking for proof of need.

Of companies in the study, only about 10 percent has a family-friendly policy down in writing.

If they introduce a good policy, it may help to change the culture and practice, he said

Chu added that the study can help companies gather information and adopt suitable policies, and that other institutions should conduct similar studies.

"It is not something for the EOC to do alone, it's for the whole of society to support the measure, to change the culture."