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.
Employees in Singapore not getting COVID-19 vaccine not obliged to change duties
Workers who are not vaccinated will not need to have a change of job scope, says health minister.
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.
Startups in India today are the MNCs for tomorrow: PM Modi
The prime minister urged the country’s youth to be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead as startups grow in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Japan looks to implement more flexible paternity leave
The revised law would allow fathers to take a total of four weeks off, and give a shorter notice of their leave to their employers.
South Korea approves 9.3 trillion won jobs package
Some 5.6 trillion won will be used for cash handouts to small businesses, temporary workers or freelancers, and taxi drivers.
South Korean graduates face a job market with less openings
The employment rate of university graduates of the class of 2019 fell, while the employment gap between men and women widened.
Taiwan raises monthly minimum wage to NT$24,000 effective January
The wage hike is expected to benefit some 1,558,500 workers, which includes 1,097,700 Taiwanese and 460,800 foreigners.
Thailand relaxes rules on soft loans and mulls monthly long weekends next year
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has further relaxed rules on a soft loan programme to help SMEs financially.
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.
Singapore government distributes over S$1 billion in payouts in 2020 to co-fund employee wages
The next tranche of payouts will be in March 2021, for qualifying wage increases in 2020.
Retirement-fund body to provide social security cover for informal workers in India
The EPFO faces the huge challenge to cover 400 million informal workers.
Japanese firms cut down on year-end bonuses
Businesses that were more affected include service companies, which suffered a 13% drop in bonuses, the largest decline since 2009.
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.
Intergenerational collaboration is the key to saving the world – Now more than ever!
Rachele Focardi, a global thought-leader, highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration.
South Korean job-creation programme favours older workers
Younger jobseekers are finding it harder to find openings with the government’s job creation programme.
Japan agency launches platform to help foreign workers
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has set up the Japan Platform for Migrant Workers towards Responsible and Inclusive Society (JP Mirai) to support foreign workers.
India disburses US$1.8 billion in COVID-19 aid to workers
The central government has approved more than 5.2 million claims and disbursed Rs133 billion (US$1.8 billion) to formal sector workers.
How human development can help lead the future of work
In his new book, Dr Bob Aubrey highlights the importance of human development as a professional field.
Delivering positive experiences key for success
The management team from Ramada and Days Hotels by Wyndham Singapore shares insights on their organisational approach during the pandemic and beyond.
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,
South Korean employment impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
Financial pressures are forcing Koreans to take on a second job, but even such plans are being thwarted by the pandemic.
Australia: NSW state ends WFH, but most staff still staying away from office
Many workers in New South Wales are opting to continue working from home.
Workplace arrangements to be reviewed under Singapore’s Phase 3 opening
Are Singapore companies ready to return to the workplace?
South Korea doles out COVID-19 subsidies to ‘essential workers’
Home care workers and after-school tutors will receive a payout, which will be drawn from a dedicated donations fund.
Two Cents: The emergence of the hybrid workforce
Whether organisations decide to return to the workplace or continue remote work in 2021, employees will be the key to success.
Laid-off workers insured under Socso re-employed in Malaysia
Out of 100,000 employees insured under Socso who have been laid off, about 31% or 30,977 have found new jobs.
Employers in Singapore upskill foreign workers amid labour shortage
Employers may need to upskill or re-skill their foreign workers, especially in sectors where local staff are hard to employ.