Can a highway service area be more than a place to dine, shop, and rest? It can also be an inclusive workplace where employees of different generations share their expertise and grow together.

Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area has been recognized in the Age-Friendly Employment category of the 2026 Miaoli County Workplace Well-Being Awards (幸福職場友栗獎), highlighting the company's commitment to supporting middle-aged and older employees and fostering intergenerational collaboration.

More than 33% of employees at Xihu Service Area are middle-aged or older. Through job redesign, mentorship programs, post-retirement reemployment, flexible work arrangements, and employee health initiatives, Hsin Tung Yang is building an age-friendly workplace that supports people at every stage of their careers.

Since its establishment in 1967, Hsin Tung Yang has developed a strong presence in Taiwan's food manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and food service industries. Guided by the belief that "Experience is a company's most valuable asset," the company recognizes the professional knowledge and contributions of its experienced workforce.

This award highlights the importance of creating inclusive employment opportunities and preserving valuable workplace expertise through collaboration across generations.

What Are the Miaoli County Workplace Well-Being Awards?

Organized by the Miaoli County Government, the Workplace Well-Being Awards recognize businesses that promote employee rights, workplace well-being, and supportive working environments.

The Age-Friendly Employment category focuses on initiatives that help middle-aged and older workers continue contributing their skills and experience under suitable working conditions.

At Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area, more than one-third of employees are middle-aged or older.

By improving working conditions, encouraging knowledge transfer, and offering flexible employment arrangements, Hsin Tung Yang supports employees at different stages of life.

For the company, an age-friendly workplace means more than providing jobs. It means creating opportunities for employees of all ages to contribute and develop their professional capabilities.

From Satoyama Ecology to Intergenerational Collaboration: Xihu Is More Than a Highway Rest Stop

Located in Miaoli County, Taiwan, Xihu Service Area is operated by Hsin Tung Yang and features the theme "Satoyama Forest Magic Village."

Inspired by the surrounding natural environment, the service area incorporates leopard cat conservation, Miaoli's cultural heritage, and ecological education into a destination offering dining, shopping, recreation, and environmental learning experiences.

From leopard cat-themed installations and local specialty products to family-friendly reading spaces and ecological education, visitors can discover Miaoli's natural and cultural heritage during a short break from their journey.

Behind these facilities is a diverse team of employees from different generations who work together to support daily operations and serve travelers.

For Hsin Tung Yang, a highway service area is not simply a place for travelers to rest. It is also a workplace where people of different ages can contribute their expertise, share knowledge, and develop professionally.

The latest recognition adds workforce sustainability to Xihu Service Area's distinctive focus on ecological conservation and local culture.

1. How Can Work Be Made Easier for Older Employees? Starting with Job Redesign

Daily operations at highway service areas involve food service, retail sales, facility maintenance, and customer assistance. Each role presents different physical and operational requirements.

To create a more supportive working environment, Hsin Tung Yang reviews workplace equipment, operational procedures, and working methods based on employees' needs.

The company introduces labor-saving assistive tools and automated equipment to help reduce physical strain while improving workplace safety and operational efficiency.

Through job redesign, employees of different ages can perform their responsibilities under more suitable working conditions, contributing to safer and more efficient service area operations.

2. How Can Service Experience Be Passed Down? Turning Experienced Employees into Workplace Mentors

Highway service areas welcome travelers from diverse backgrounds, each with different needs and expectations.

Providing quality frontline service requires more than following standard operating procedures. It also involves practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience developed over time.

Hsin Tung Yang promotes mentorship programs and intergenerational communication, encouraging experienced employees to share their professional skills and practical knowledge with younger colleagues.

Through hands-on learning and daily interaction, younger employees can gradually strengthen their service capabilities.

Whether navigating operational procedures, collaborating with teammates, or responding to unexpected situations, the expertise of experienced employees serves as a valuable resource for workforce development.

By recognizing the value of experience and encouraging knowledge transfer, Hsin Tung Yang helps reduce knowledge gaps between generations while making intergenerational collaboration part of everyday workplace culture.

3. Can Employees Continue Working After Retirement? Creating Flexible Employment Opportunities

Retirement does not necessarily mark the end of a professional career.

For some experienced employees, continuing to work provides an opportunity to apply their expertise, maintain social connections, and remain actively engaged in society.

Recognizing that employees have different needs at different stages of life, Hsin Tung Yang offers post-retirement reemployment, flexible part-time positions, and diverse work arrangements.

These options allow experienced employees who wish to remain in the workforce to choose suitable roles based on their individual circumstances and job requirements.

At highway service areas, where daily operations depend on coordination across various functions, flexible employment arrangements also provide additional options for workforce management.

This approach enables experienced employees to continue contributing their professional knowledge while maintaining greater flexibility in their personal lives.

4. How Does Hsin Tung Yang Support Employee Well-Being?

An age-friendly workplace involves more than job responsibilities and working hours. It also requires attention to employees' physical and mental well-being.

Hsin Tung Yang provides annual complimentary health examinations, medical services, and physical and mental health seminars.

The company also promotes workplace health initiatives that encourage employees to monitor and care for their overall well-being.

By combining workplace improvements with health-related support, Hsin Tung Yang aims to create a safe, stable, and supportive working environment for employees at different career stages.

These initiatives benefit not only middle-aged and older employees but also contribute to a workplace where people of all generations can work with greater confidence and peace of mind.

5. How Can Different Generations Grow Together?

The successful operation of a highway service area depends on teamwork among employees with different responsibilities, experiences, and perspectives.

Younger employees bring fresh ideas and new approaches, while experienced colleagues contribute years of practical knowledge and professional insight.

Through communication and mutual learning, employees from different generations can combine their strengths and develop a stronger sense of teamwork.

Hsin Tung Yang organizes intergenerational exchange activities and initiatives such as the "Sustainable Local Journey" program to encourage interaction beyond daily work responsibilities.

These activities provide opportunities for employees to exchange experiences, share perspectives, and build mutual understanding.

With its strong connections to Miaoli's local culture and Satoyama ecology, Xihu Service Area also provides a meaningful setting for exploring sustainability and community engagement.

Through everyday teamwork and employee activities, Hsin Tung Yang continues to foster a workplace culture built on mutual respect, knowledge sharing, and intergenerational collaboration.

From Workplace Well-Being to a Welcoming Travel Experience

A great highway service area offers more than convenient dining, shopping, and rest facilities. It also relies on a dedicated team and thoughtful frontline service.

At Xihu Service Area, Hsin Tung Yang brings together local culture, ecological conservation, and visitor experiences through its "Satoyama Forest Magic Village" concept.

At the same time, the company recognizes the importance of supporting the employees who make these services possible.

The recognition received at the 2026 Miaoli County Workplace Well-Being Awards highlights Hsin Tung Yang's efforts in inclusive employment, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and workforce sustainability.

The value of an age-friendly workplace goes beyond employee care. It preserves valuable experience, strengthens teamwork, and helps deliver reliable, welcoming service throughout every traveler's journey.

Looking ahead, Hsin Tung Yang will continue advancing intergenerational collaboration and workforce sustainability, connecting employee well-being with quality service experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What award did Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area receive?

Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area was recognized in the Age-Friendly Employment category of the 2026 Miaoli County Workplace Well-Being Awards (幸福職場友栗獎), reflecting its commitment to age-friendly employment and intergenerational collaboration.

Q2: What makes Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area unique?

Located in Miaoli County, Taiwan, Xihu Service Area features the "Satoyama Forest Magic Village" theme. It combines leopard cat conservation, local culture, specialty products, family-friendly recreational facilities, and environmental education.

Q3: How does Xihu Service Area promote an age-friendly workplace?

More than 33% of employees at Hsin Tung Yang's Xihu Service Area are middle-aged or older. The company supports age-friendly employment through job redesign, mentorship programs, post-retirement reemployment, flexible work arrangements, and employee health initiatives.

Q4: Can retired employees return to work at Hsin Tung Yang?

Hsin Tung Yang offers post-retirement reemployment and flexible part-time work arrangements, allowing experienced employees who wish to remain professionally active to explore suitable opportunities based on their needs and job requirements.

Q5: How are Hsin Tung Yang's age-friendly workplace initiatives related to ESG?

Age-friendly employment is closely connected to the Social (S) dimension of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). It encompasses employee well-being, workplace safety, diversity and inclusion, and workforce development. Through supportive employment policies and intergenerational collaboration, Hsin Tung Yang promotes inclusive employment and long-term workforce sustainability.