Page 7 - Research and Impact Newsletter Issue 4

Meeting pressing societal need for Consulting and Counselling Psychology
With a generous donation by the social entrepreneur Dr Joseph LEE, the Wofoo Joseph Lee Consulting and Counselling Psychology Research Centre (WJLCCPRC) has been established under the leadership of Prof SIU Oi- ling, Dean of Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Applied Psychology.
The Centre not only conducts innovative and impactful research on psychology, but also offers psychological consulting and counselling services and courses for teachers, parents and students. Just months after the Centre’s establishment, seven schools in Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai and Tuen Mun have been engaged by the Centre as partners in organising regular training courses on counselling tactics for teachers and parents, thereby enhancing the well-being of local communities.
Through further collaborations with schools, hospitals and non-governmental organisations, the Centre will actively conduct KT activities to promote mental wellness for positive impact on society.
Accelerating Research and Impact 4
Lingnan study finds work stress costs Hong Kong $14.9 billion a year
Hong Kong employees play truant from work for an average of 8.3 days a year, incurring annual economic losses of $5.3 to $14.9 billion, according to a recent study led by Prof Siu Oi-ling. This survey forms part of the research conducted by Lingnan on the “Influence of Work Stress on Society and Economy in Hong Kong”, commissioned by the Occupational Safety and Health Council.
Prof Siu says stress at work can lead to absenteeism, family issues or feigned sickness and thus economic losses.
She suggests the government to take the lead in encouraging communication between employers and employees, and employers to provide adequate support for their staff, including updating equipment and supplies, more on-the-job training and flexible work arrangements - measures to enhance the work- life balance.
The study was widely covered in media channels such as The Standard, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Hong Kong China News Agency, Oriental Daily News, Headline Daily, Ta Kung Pao, Hong Kong Economic Times, Wen Wei Po, Economic Digest, Liberty Times Net and QS WOW News.