Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung hopes the statutory minimum wage will be implemented in the first quarter of next year, subject to the bill's enactment this legislative year and acceptance of the Provisional Minimum Wage Commission's recommendation on the initial rate.

Speaking at the Institute of Human Resource Management's gala dinner for its HR professional standards official launch tonight, Mr Cheung said HR is no doubt a people-oriented profession, and central to people management is concern for staff pay and benefits.

He reiterated the Government aims to arrive at an optimal minimum wage which provides an hourly wage floor to forestall excessively low wages without, at the same time, unduly affecting labour market flexibility, economic growth and competitiveness as well as causing significant loss in low-paid jobs.

"Prior to [statutory minimum wage's implementation], the Labour Department will vigorously launch publicity and promotional activities to make sure both employers and employees know and understand the legal provisions and their respective obligations and entitlements under the statutory minimum wage regime," Mr Cheung said.

Publicity materials will be prepared with illustrative cases and authentic examples drawn from different trades and industries regarding the provisions' application.

Mr Cheung said the importance of "socially responsible" and "responsive" people management cannot be overemphasised.

"A family-friendly workplace is a higher-performing organisation as it can better attract and retain talent, boost staff morale and minimise staff turnover.

"I am sure with a 'human' touch and by adopting 'human-oriented' and 'responsible' people management strategies, a 'harmonious' and, of course, 'resilient' corporate culture will set in and provide an enterprise with a strong competitive edge in the long run," he concluded.