As the APEC summit approaches, a growing number of enterprises are actively responding to the call for flexible work arrangements. A group of leading companies in Shenzhen, in particular, are tailoring their policies to their own circumstances, positions, timing, and locations by arranging work-from-home and paid leave while encouraging employees to leave their cars parked and choose green commuting options.
China Merchants Bank Co.,Ltd. (600036) will implement flexible work arrangements during the APEC summit. During the APEC summit week from November 16 to 20, CM BANK (03968) will coordinate flexible work arrangements. Except for positions that require on-site presence to ensure business continuity and high-quality service, all employees will work remotely. Based on individual employee preferences and actual work needs, all cadres and staff at Shenzhen-based institutions are encouraged to adjust their leave arrangements. For employees who must be on duty, a staggered commuting mechanism will be introduced.
Wang Tian, Deputy General Manager of the Human Resources Department at China Merchants Bank's head office, stated that the bank has issued a green commuting initiative to all employees in Shenzhen, guiding them to travel during off-peak hours and prioritize public transportation. During the summit week, the bank will cancel all unnecessary official vehicle trips to help create a smooth and orderly urban traffic environment for the APEC summit.
China Merchants Bank was founded in Shenzhen in 1987 and is the first commercial bank in China established by an enterprise. As of the end of June this year, China Merchants Bank had 143 domestic branches (including free trade zone branches) and 1,807 sub-branches across more than 130 cities in China, with a total workforce of 122,000 employees. It has been listed on the Fortune Global 500 for 15 consecutive years.
Everyone is a host, and facilitation services are in place to welcome the summit. Gao Dongmei, Deputy Director of the Office of China Merchants Bank's Shenzhen Branch, introduced that in preparation for the summit, the bank has rolled out a comprehensive package of APEC financial services measures to create internationalized and warm foreign-related financial services. Specific measures include the following aspects.
In terms of branch services, all China Merchants Bank branches in Shenzhen have bilingual counters, fully equipped with bilingual signage and foreign currency exchange service guides, and branches in core areas have added a total of 44 foreign language service personnel. In terms of service equipment, all 233 ATMs in Shenzhen (including those at Shenzhen Airport and Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center) fully support cash withdrawals with major international cards. In addition, foreign currency exchange machines have been added at designated hotels in Shenzhen to ensure the stable operation of these self-service devices around the clock.
In terms of service innovation, six designated branches have been set up for taxi drivers to exchange "stored-value coin pouches," providing fast exchange services on a walk-in, on-demand basis. At the same time, the bank is promoting the issuance of digital yuan hardware wallets to offer overseas visitors an offline "tap-and-pay" consumption experience, enriching payment options. Gao Dongmei said: "China Merchants Bank will fully ensure the high-level operation of services for customers' business transactions and summit-related financial support, especially convenient payment and exchange services for overseas guests visiting Shenzhen."
This hospitality has also been reflected in the choices of ordinary individuals. Liu Songdian, an employee of China Merchants Bank, said: "The APEC summit being held in Shenzhen is a source of pride for Shenzhen, and as Shenzhen residents we feel very proud! In recent days, colleagues have been discussing how to respond to the government's call and our institution's arrangements by working remotely, being good hosts, and doing our part to showcase Shenzhen's style and the demeanor of a major country."
Tang Anqi, an employee of China Merchants Bank's Shenzhen Branch, voluntarily applied to participate in bilingual counter services. She said she is very excited and honored, has prepared to stay responsive online and commute during off-peak hours, and will work with on-site colleagues to provide quality bilingual services, using professionalism and warmth to leave an unforgettable impression of Shenzhen on guests from around the world.
As of now, more than 500,000 residents across the city have proactively registered to keep their vehicles off the road during the APEC summit week, fully demonstrating the public's enthusiasm to support major city events.
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