India seeks to reduce gender gap in the workplace
India has fallen 28 places to rank 140th among 156 countries in gender gap parity, according to a World Economic Forum report.
New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6.1%
Amid a shortage of experienced retail staff, employers have been forced to increase wages to retain and attract talent.
Most Japan companies plan to conduct workplace COVID-19 vaccinations
To speed up the vaccination rate in the country, a nationwide plan allows companies and universities to run their own vaccination drives.
Australia’s NSW state to launch paid miscarriage leave
All New South Wales (NSW) public-sector workers will be entitled to five days of paid leave if they suffer a miscarriage of a child.
Japan engages companies to boost vaccination drive
Vaccination in the country is getting a shot in the arm as thousands of companies start inoculating their employees.
Eight factors to consider when creating a new hybrid plan
Josh Bersin highlights the key considerations that will help create an effective, safe and productive approach to hybrid work.
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021: Defining HR’s roadmap for 2022
Taking place from September 21-23, Asia’s largest HR Tech event of 2021 will highlight the key drivers of leadership, culture and employee experience in 2022.
Japan promotes 4-day work-week option
The government is supporting the proposal to let employees choose a four-day work week in its annual economic policy guideline.
Sacked New Zealand border staff mounts legal challenge to dismissal
A border worker who was dismissed for refusing to get the COVID-19 jab has brought her case to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
Singapore maintains WFH as default arrangement, extends jobs support
Workers cannot be cross-deployed to multiple worksites, and employers need to implement flexible working hours and staggered start times.
Australia increases minimum wage by 2.5% to benefit 2.2 million workers
The Fair Wage Commission (FWC) has raised the minimum wage and related award minimum wages by 2.5%.
Philippines incentivises vaccinated workers with freebies
Some 1,000 essential workers from Metro Manila and another thousand from other regions are expected to benefit from the programme.
South Korea rejects further extension to delay 52-hour work week
Companies employing between five and 49 workers will have to comply with the 52-hour work week by next month.
Cambodia re-skills unemployed and furloughed workers
6,500 workers have received special and been awarded with a dedicated technical and vocational certificate, in preparation for re-employment.
Many Australian companies unwilling to increase wages
In place of higher wages, companies are instead offering one-off bonuses and flexible working arrangements, says the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Online market can boost job creation for women in the Philippines
Online work can provide women with more employment opportunities, though it comes with its own limitations and challenges, says DOLE official.
Some unvaccinated employees face discrimination in Hong Kong
Employees who face discrimination if they refused to be vaccinated may be able to mount a legal challenge, depending if it is “reasonable or necessary.”
Malaysian companies must shoulder additional costs for vaccination
Companies participating in the programme that sees their employees vaccinated need to pay for the additional costs involved.
Japan pushes for higher wages across regions
Across the country, Japan aims to achieve a national average of ¥1,000 per hour and narrow the pay gap between regions.
Creating a people-powered workplace with Microsoft Viva
With people at the heart of any organisation, Microsoft Viva helps to create an integrated experience that allows employees to thrive.
South Korea mulls vaccination at companies producing chips
Workers at chip and electronic companies may be vaccinated to reduce disruptions to the production of computer chips which are in short supply globally.
Taiwan shortens rest times between shifts for workers
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has temporarily lowered the number of rest hours workers must get between shifts from 11 to eight for four industries.
Companies in Singapore to adopt WFH as default arrangement
Businesses are advised to stagger the start times of employees and implement flexible working hours, and refrain from cross-deploying workers.
Indonesia’s VP urges workers to increase their preparedness
High unemployment and low competitive edge are the result of workers’ unpreparedness to adapt to changes in the job market and industry, he said.
Japan approves flexible paternity leave
Fathers will be able to take a total of four weeks off within eight weeks of their child’s birth, and can choose to split the period into two breaks.
Singapore companies advised to test staff regularly for COVID-19
Employers with staff who need to work in high-risk environments should implement testing for them on a regular basis, says Enterprise Singapore.
Companies in Vietnam offer to pay for vaccination of staff
Most employers are willing to pay to vaccinate their employees to curb the spread of the virus in their companies.
Japan’s real wages in April show largest monthly gain since 2010
The increase was partly due to a 0.5% drop in the consumer price index, and a y-o-y rebound in part-timers’ compensation.
South Korea to grant workers with extra days off
The government will soon pass a bill that will provide workers with extra days off should a public holiday fall on a weekend.
Malaysian employers cannot force non-essential service workers to office
Staff are encouraged to report incidents where their workplace exceeds the 60% capacity, or they are asked to work despite the need for quarantine.