Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
The number of discouraged workers in South Korea spiked to an all-time high in 2021 amid a weak labour market due to the prolonged pandemic.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson cautioned firms to ensure business continuity plans are in place and vowed government support.
Amid a spike in Omicron transmission, the WFH policy needs to be implemented with more flexibility, says the Labour Institute Indonesia.
Businesses, especially those providing essential services, should ensure robust business continuity plans like split-team arrangements.
Sen. Leila De Lima has called on Congress to pass a law that mandates paid leave of five days for workers who contract COVID-19.
Clarity is being sought on the definitions of a contact, and the triggers for isolation once the Omicron strain starts spreading in the community.
The unions are asking employers to shoulder the cost of rapid tests until they are ideally provided free for everyone by the government.
An extra budget of 14 trillion won (US$11.7 billion) is being planned to support small merchants and the self-employed hard-hit by the pandemic.
Employers are encouraged to grant paid leave for workers who have contracted COVID-19 and need to be quarantined.
With 2022 likely to be the year of hybrid work, organisations need to develop and introduce effective hybrid work strategies and policies.
Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
Under more relaxed measures, only workers from some industries are allowed to return straight to work after recording a negative rapid antigen test.
The goal of teleworking is to maintain the same level of socio-economic activities in a time when rapid spread of COVID-19 is expected.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that the government is preparing another round of subsidies for businesses impacted by the Omicron outbreaks.
A public outreach programme provides a more controlled and easier way for workers to receive their booster shots.
These include what to do when staff test positive, how to perform risk assessment and inspections, and procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
The government is planning to grant 40 trillion won (US$33.2 billion) of fresh funds to small firms and the self-employed before the Lunar New Year.
Government agencies also urged companies to provide sufficient assistance for individuals who are undergoing quarantine and isolation.
A slimmer stimulus package of 347 trillion dong (US$15.2 billion) is being considered to lift the pandemic-hit economy.
Amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the central government is allowing half of its employees below the rank of under secretary to work from home.
To curb the spread of the Omicron virus, all government officials have been directed to work from home (WFH) after the New Year break.
Altogether, the government has disbursed PHP26.1 billion worth of social protection assistance under various programmes.
Workers who are partially vaccinated will be granted a grace period of up till January 31 to complete their full vaccination regime.
Applicants who did not receive support under the grant this year can receive up to three tranches in 2022 should they meet the requirements.
Microsoft’s Return to Workplace solution is helping to create a safe and productive work environment in a resilient and digitally inclusive Singapore.
These workers were more likely to lose their jobs because they dominated sectors that were hard-hit, like hotels and restaurants, wholesale, and retail.
About 75.2% of businesses said they plan to either continue remote-work policies at the current level or partially downscale it when the pandemic ends.
From January 1 next year, up to 50% of employees who can work from home will be allowed to return to the office.
About 97% of the labour force have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with about 75,000 workers still unvaccinated as of December 5.
