What are the key concerns for HR in 2021?
After a largely difficult and uncertain 2020, HR faces the challenge of reinvigorating employees, as well as helping their organisations develop strategies that will ensure success in 2021.
Australian education and employer bodies call on adaptability for the future workplace
Australians need to change what, when and how they learn to prepare for the workplace of the future.
India proposes work-from-home rules for services sector
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has made the proposal to formalise work from home (WFH) regulations for the services sector in the new year.
Malaysia sees more protection for workers’ rights take effect in January
Employers or employees may now be represented by any person of their choice, excluding lawyers, during dispute processes.
Employers in Australia can make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for staff
Businesses can force their staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 under workplace laws.
All foreign workers In Malaysia must be screened for COVID-19 starting Jan 1
The order would see all foreign workers spanning all sectors to undergo mandatory screening.
India revamps quarterly employment surveys
Starting from March next year, the government will launch a more comprehensive All India Quarterly Base Establishment Survey (AIQBES).
China bans discrimination in job recruitments
The new ruling takes effect on March 1, 2021, and will require HR agencies to secure the protection of their candidate’s personal information.
Japan looks to shorten restaurant operating hours through subsidies
The review of the law would allow the government to handout subsidies to bars and restaurants that shorten operation hours.
All organisations should have zero tolerance against workplace sexual harassment: Delhi High Court
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that needs to be addressed at all work places urgently and sensitively.
Australia proposes food-delivery levy to fund workers’ compensation scheme
A new compensation initiative aims to protect gig economy workers injured or killed while working,
Workplace arrangements to be reviewed under Singapore’s Phase 3 opening
Are Singapore companies ready to return to the workplace?
Malaysia maintains WFH order in Putrajaya
Those in the management and supervisory posts in conditional movement control order (MCO) areas have been told to continue working from home.
South Korea’s gig workers to receive greater employment protection
Amendments to various employment acts were made after the country’s delivery workers died due to overwork.
Australia: Employers can offer part-timers extra working hours, but not on overtime basis
The change in policy aims to create more flexibility for employers and more hours for employees.
Delhi sets new guidelines for government employees
After allowing half of its staff to work from home last week, the Delhi government is now asking them not to leave the city without permission.
Australian government rolls out new measures to strengthen casual worker rights
The country employs 2.6 million casual workers, with 1.35 million of them working regular shifts.
Cambodia: Govt issues stricter COVID-19 measures for factories
The Ministry of Labour has set new risk-management rules to contain the pandemic in factories and businesses after a surge of cases on November 28th.
South Korea: Govt advises SMEs to prep for shorter working week
The Ministry of Labor and Employment will implement the 52-hour cap on the working week for SMEs as scheduled.
Hong Kong govt staff to WFH for the third time this year
Chief executive Carrie Lam has announced sweeping measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, ordering all government employees to work from home (WFH).
Malaysia imposes mandatory Covid-19 screening for foreign workers
From December 1, the HR Ministry will carry out targeted COVID-19 screening for foreign workers in zones with a high occurrence of cases.
India: 50% of Delhi public employees to WFH
From next week, except for senior officials, half of the capital city’s government staff will start to work from home (WFH).
India sets new rules for staggered office hours, night curfews
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has updated its guidelines to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan to halt local tourism campaign amid new peak of Covid-19 cases
The domestic campaign was set up to help boost local businesses, providing local travellers with subsidies of up to 50% on entertainment-related deals.
Singapore: Q3 GDP contracts at a slower pace of 5.8%
For the third quarter, Singapore’s GDP shrank by 5.8% year-on-year, improving on Q2’s slump of 13.3%, with the outlook for 2021 looking optimistic.
Migrant workers can stay longer in Thailand due to COVID-19
Migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar with work permits expiring next year can continue working in Thailand for up to two more years.
Indonesia: Central Java to increase minimum wage
Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo has announced plans to raise the minimum wage for the province for 2021 by 3.71%.
What does WFH really mean in Malaysia?
The Malaysian Employers Federation has called for more clarity on the government’s work-from-home (WFH) directive.
Malaysia’s labour productivity plunges for Q2 2020
This is in line with a 17.1% contraction of the economy in the same quarter, as total hours worked dropped because of COVID-19.
South Korean firms continue work-from-home policies
As South Korea grapples with a second COVID-19 wave, many companies are having to make remote working a priority.