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.
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.
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.
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.
Prudential empowers a healthier workforce in Singapore
Launched last April, Pulse by Prudential is an AI-powered app that aims to make healthcare more accessible for all in Singapore.
WFH in Japan limited to office workers, survey finds
Staff working from locations other than their offices accounted for 19.2% of all workers in Japan in April, which is almost unchanged from levels in July 2020.
Taiwan mandates occupational accident insurance for all workers
Employers are required to sign their staff up for the insurance on their first day at work, regardless of company size, or face a fine of up to NT$100,000.
Australia considers increasing childcare subsidies for female workers
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
Singapore’s low-wage workers fund receives $4 million boost
The fund, launched in 2017, has helped workers in the lower-wage group while they search for a new job and wait for social support.
Pandemic dampens Japan PM’s plans to raise minimum wage
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.
Philippines to dole out compensation to COVID-19-positive workers
To receive the compensation, workers will need to present a certificate of employment, an RT-PCR test, and accompanying medical records.
Employers’ group in Malaysia says vaccination should remain voluntary
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said vaccinations are still on a voluntary basis unless the government makes it mandatory for workers.
Pandemic affected more women workers than men in South Korea
The number of employed women aged between 25 and 54 fell by 541,000 year-on-year last March, more than the 327,000 for men in the same age group.
Australia’s unions push back against calls for minimum wage delay
Major employer groups have argued for the Fair Work Commission to either impose a pay freeze or delay any pay hikes until February 2022.
Australia may allow employers to require staff to be vaccinated
In a first of its kind, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has upheld the termination of a childcare worker who had refused to get a flu jab.
One of five part-timers in South Korea want to work longer
The number of individuals who worked less than 36 hours a week reached 5.9 million last month, marking an increase of 836,000, or 16.6% year-on-year.
Japan government pushes for digital wage payment amid safety concerns
The labour ministry is advocating for companies to adopt digital payrolls within the current fiscal year, though safety concerns remain.
Vietnamese workers’ average salary rises in first quarter
Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.
South Korea’s minimum wage under debate
The decision has to be made before August 5, which is the legal deadline for the Ministry of Employment and Labour to deliver an official notice to the public.
Indian government advises staff to WFH
Various departments have asked their employees to report at staggered timings, while those living in COVID-19 containment zones are told to stay home.
8.8% of Malaysian workers paid below minimum wage
8.8% of workers in the country are paid a basic salary below the RM1,200 (US$291) monthly minimum wage.
Why companies need ‘right-brain leadership’
Josh Bersin explains why the pandemic and its aftermath have highlighted the need for leaders who are empathetic, inclusive and highly flexible.
Thailand advises those in high-risk areas to work from home for 2 weeks
The Ministry of Public Health’s advisory comes as the number of COVID-19 cases are expected to spike after the Songkran festival.
Wage gap between regular and non-regular workers grows in South Korea
In the past 10 years, the wage gap between regular and non-regular workers has increased by 490,000 won (US$438), up 47.6%.
Employers in Malaysia failed to meet standard housing requirements
Offences include uncertified accommodation, non-compliance with local authority laws and not providing rest and dining areas to employees.
Labour union in Japan calls for raise in minimum wage of essential workers
A labour union, representing low-paid essential workers across different sectors in Japan, has urged for minimum wages to be raised.
Taiwan employees get highest-ever year-end bonus
Despite the economic fallout from the pandemic, employees received the highest-ever average year-end bonus of NT$70,513 (US$2,478) last year.