Rethinking employee engagement and wellbeing for a hybrid workforce
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will provide key insights into how organisations can more effectively manage their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
Pregnant workers in Cambodia benefit from government subsidies
The government’s subsidy programme has disbursed US$24 million to pregnant workers since its launch in January 2018.
WFH as default to stop COVID-19 in India, says industry body
Firms should review operations and minimise the use of in-person manpower, limiting it to critical operations or activities required by law.
Singapore’s financial sector to create 6,500 jobs in 2021
The financial sector is expected to create 6,500 new jobs this year, building on its net gain of 2,200 positions last year.
Australia sees rise in telework despite easing restrictions
Larger businesses were twice as likely to have introduced remote working arrangements in response to COVID-19 as compared to smaller firms.
Decoding 2021’s top priorities for HR leaders
The HRM Asia Magazine April/May 2021 Issue attempts to address the key priorities for HR leaders in 2021.
Singapore cuts back number of staff allowed in the office
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, employers need to reduce the number of staff in the office from the current 75% back to 50%.
Malaysian employers group appeals to delay minimum wage review
Now is not the right time to review the minimum wage as this will add to costs of doing business, said the MEF president.
Japan incentivises migration out of Tokyo without staff changing jobs
The government is encouraging workers to relocate to less-populated areas of the country while still employed by businesses based in Tokyo.
Thailand considers new relief packages for workers and businesses
A government spokesperson said that the new relief packages would be decided “carefully” to ensure that those who are impacted by the pandemic are covered.
Talent recruitment and engagement key for business success
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will examine how organisations can recruit and retain the best talent, in order to move successfully into a new era of work.
Hong Kong committed to creating jobs and improving workers’ welfare
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has affirmed her commitment to create jobs, improve employee welfare and boost protection of workers’ interests.
Australia to unveil A$1.7 billion childcare fund in upcoming Budget
The current annual cap of A$10,560 per child will be removed, and instead increased to a maximum of 95% for families with two or more children.
Malaysian unions urge for better employee welfare amid pandemic
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Singapore to expand scope of progressive wage model
Tripartite committees comprising unions, employers and the government are working to extend the model to more sectors like food services and retail.
Cambodian government urged to protect workers against COVID-19
Unions and NGOs are calling on the government to tighten safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Building mental resilience critical to tackle WFH-led mental stressors
A campaign will be held in September by healthcare institutions and agencies in Singapore to share best practices on how to build workers’ mental resilience.
COVID-19 now a compensable work-related disease in the Philippines
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has included COVID-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.
Companies in Japan offer vaccination leave for workers to receive jabs
Businesses are hoping to create an environment where workers can make vaccination appointments easily, which will hasten the vaccination process.
Singaporean Chew Shou Zi named as new CEO of TikTok
The appointment of Chew is described as a “strategic reorganisation to optimise TikTok’s global teams and support the company’s unprecedented growth”.
Singapore launches tripartite standard for work-life balance
To help workers achieve a better work-life balance, the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony (TSWLH) has been launched.
Australians on unemployment benefits fall by 20,000
Since end-2020, the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits has fallen by 13% as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Philippines to give COVID-19 vaccines to minimum wage earners and OFWs
To observe Labour Day, 5,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given to minimum wage earners and overseas Filipino workers.
Malaysian companies urged to lodge concerns on regulatory barriers
The MyMudah platform, launched last July, aims to alleviate the economic impact of COVID-19 on local enterprises and international businesses.
How to succeed in the era of hybrid workforce management
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will provide key insights into how HR leaders can be successful in a new era of hybrid workforce management.
Market-based support benefits MSMEs more than subsidies or loans
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
New Zealand restarts working holiday visa
The decision to restart the working visa programme was welcomed by tourism employers, who would have access to a pool of offshore workers.
Total employment in Singapore grows for first time since start of pandemic
Singapore’s labour market is showing shoots of recovery with total employment growing by 4,800 in Q1’21 after four consecutive quarters of decline.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
Singaporeans perceive improvement in local labour market
Over the past year, Singaporeans’ perception of the job market has shown marked improvement, while their job security levels remain largely unchanged.