People at work 2022: A workforce view in Asia Pacific
In a recent episode of HRM TV, Nela Richardson, ADP’s Chief Economist, shared key workforce trends from countries in the APAC region.
One quarter of workers in South Korea still face workplace harassment
Some 23.5% of 2,000 respondents to a recent survey indicated that they had experienced harassment in the workplace in the last 12 months
Permanent flexible work arrangements called for in Singapore
Even as the country eases workplace restrictions, employers are encouraged to permanently offer flexible work arrangements.
China focuses on job creation to help cushion economy
The country’s surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.5% in Q1’2022, up 0.1 percentage points year-on-year, according to official data.
Malaysia’s work subsidy programme retains 2.96 million jobs
The government has channeled RM20.68 billion (US$4.78 billion) to 357,703 employers via its Wage Subsidy Programme (WSP) as of April 8.
Major employers in Australia stick to vaccine mandate
New South Wales is removing most of its vaccination mandates next month, although Victoria has not announced an end to its vaccination mandates.
China launches private pension scheme
China has launched the first private pension scheme in the country, paving the way for workers to invest and supplement funds in their pension accounts.
India’s MSME sector expected to rebound with 15% growth in 2022
Recovery was observed over the last few months in sectors like construction, exports, commodities and consumption as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Bringing in-person connection back to Asia’s HR community
HR Tech Festival Asia 2022 is taking place from 10-13 May 2022 and includes the in-person HR Tech Fest Live on May 10.
Indonesia pushes for gender indicators in business reports
B20 Indonesia has recommended including gender indicators in mandatory business reports for companies in G20 member countries.
Workers in Singapore can return to the workplace from April 26
Employees will also be allowed to remove masks when they are not interacting physically with others and when they are not in customer-facing areas.
Big companies in India continue hybrid work policies
In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, companies are asking workers to continue work from home, or are adopting a hybrid system.
Majority of New Zealanders seeking jobs rely on Jobseeker Support
A total of 177,642 people were receiving Jobseeker Support as of end-March, and of these people, some 100,854 were “work ready”.
Impact of minimum wage hike concerns Vietnam companies
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has proposed that the increase in minimum wage be postponed till January 1 next year.
Greenfield agreements expected to boost Australian businesses and jobs
Such an agreement offers employers flexibility with the circumstances of their workers, covering conditions like pay, for instance.
Japan running out of funds for parental leave allowances
The ballooning cost to provide allowances for employees who take parental leave is causing fears of a fund shortage.
Malaysia to implement new minimum wage from May 1
Beside the wage hike, the government also aims to create 300,000 jobs for the homeless this year, under its Zero Homelessness Initiative.
Thailand calls for workplace safety as employees return to office
Employers are reminded to look after their workers and take precautionary measures if they choose to hold gatherings.
Recharge EX with employee wellbeing at the core
Employee wellbeing is becoming increasingly critical for organisations as they look to nurture a healthy and productive workforce.
Firms in Vietnam want reforms for favourable business environment
Many drafted regulations were raising concerns among companies that the policies would impose an additional cost burden on businesses.
Japan moots scheme to insure all workers in the country
The government will soon initiate discussions on expanding the coverage of employee pensions and health insurance programmes to all workers.
Thailand urges firms to WFH for a week after Songkran holiday
Businesses and organisations should adopt a policy of working from home for between 5 and 7 days, said the Department of Disease Control.
3.22 million workers in South Korea paid less than minimum wage
The number of workers who were paid less than the minimum wage was 3,215,000 last year, the second highest annual figure after 2019’s 3,386,000.
Whenever, wherever: The future of work beyond hybrid
Gary Cookson, Director of EPIC HR, discusses what organisations need to consider to make hybrid working a success.
Learning platform allows MSMEs in the Philippines to build digital skills
The ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 platform provides training and mentorship to MSMEs by featuring localised courses on topics of interest.
Australia’s unemployment rate hits record low in March
The jobless rate in the country was 4.0% in March, one of the lowest readings since 1974, and is expected to drop further.
Indian startups embrace “work from anywhere” arrangement
This has allowed a particular startup to hire from a large pool of talent, with 95% of staff working from other locations.
SMEs in Malaysia expected to feel impact of proposed minimum wage
The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) has expressed its disappointment over the hike in minimum wage.
More large Japan businesses plan to increase headcount in 2023
Out of the 117 businesses surveyed by Kyodo News, 49 firms said that they will hire more fresh graduates starting next April.
Australia invests in four new AI centres to boost employment
A$44 million (US$32.5 million) is being invested in four new artificial intelligence and digital capability centres to stimulate growth and employment.