Will a four-day workweek take off in Singapore?
With many employees in Singapore indicating that they want a four-day workweek, some firms have already adopted the practice.
Employers in Malaysia urged to prioritise employee mental health
The Alliance for Safe Community (ASC) has called on employers to implement workplace health promotion (WHP) to better manage workers’ mental health.
India has no plans to provide menstrual leave
There are no proposals being examined to include such leave in regulations, said India’s Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
Businesses in Japan urged to pay employees more
The government has urged companies to raise wages on par with price hikes of around 2%, a level the central bank has set as its inflation target.
Australia moves to provide casual workers with sick leave
The Victorian state government has paid out A$6m, covering over 30,000 workers who have signed up to its pilot scheme to trial sick leave for casuals.
Informal workers in Indonesia hit all-time high
In the early days of the pandemic, the percentage of informal workers was 56.64%, but this continued to increase till almost 60% as of this February.
New laws in Australia push for paid domestic violence leave
More than 11 million Australians, including about 2.4 million casual workers, will soon have access to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave.
Malaysia clamps down on workplace sexual harassment
An Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill is expected to be passed, along with the set up of a tribunal to investigate complaints of sexual harassment.
Majority of South Koreans want to prolong working life
The reasons provided by elderly citizens include earning enough for living expenses and wanting to work so long as their health allowed.
Relief package for self-employed in South Korea
41 trillion won (US$31.3 billion) over two years in special loans will be provided to self-employed and merchants hard hit by pandemic restrictions.
Improving employee wellbeing in New Zealand
The 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act in New Zealand requires workplaces to look after the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff.
More job opportunities for disabled workers in the Philippines
Under the country’s regulations, at least 1% of all positions in government agencies, offices, or corporations should be reserved for PWDs.
Australia’s public service updates remote working guidance
Amid a COVID-19 spike, public agencies are responsible for setting their own working arrangements and updating them.
New Zealand court ruling discourages employees from speaking up
Toy company Zuru plans to sue former employees who anonymously wrote scathing online reviews of the company.
Malaysia has no plans to introduce menstrual leave
Female employees reportedly do not request for menstrual-related leave due to embarrassment and a fear of being seen as unproductive.
Australians want superannuation to be paid on parental leave
Some 80% respondents to a survey supported the move, indicating clear community support for paying superannuation on parental leave.
HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2022: Nominations closing soon!
Nominations for the coveted HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 will close on August 31, so act now before it’s too late!
Malaysia urged to cover workers’ wages for maternity leave
From September 1, the cost of the 90-day maternity leave would be fully borne by employers in Malaysia, without government support.
Companies in Australia urged to work remotely
Companies have been urged to allow their employees to work from home and implement mask wearing in the office to combat a new Omicron wave.
Workplaces in Cambodia told to provide more breastfeeding facilities
The government has urged all workplaces with 100 or more women employees to install lactation rooms to support breastfeeding mothers.
Public service in Singapore embraces flexi-work
Hybrid working arrangements are becoming the norm in the public sector, which is taking the lead in the country’s endeavour to retain flexible work.
Australia urged to regulate gig platforms
About 13.8% of working age people living in Victoria have taken gig work with such platforms, and 7.4% are currently doing so.
China cracks down on discrimination against job applicants
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has vowed to punish employers who discriminate against job seekers who have had COVID-19.
Laos to raise minimum wage from August 1
The monthly minimum wage in the country will be increased to 1.2 million kip (US$78) starting on August 1.
Why companies can’t hire their way out of the tech talent crunch
Stephen Koss, EY Asia-Pacific Workforce Advisory Leader, provides tips for creating a multi-faceted approach to hiring and talent sourcing.
Calls for maternity leave to be extended in Australia
Research has shown that parental care leads to better developmental outcomes, which is key for success in school, the workplace and larger community.
Japan looks to close gender gap in society and workplace
According to a World Economic Forum report, Japan has the largest gender gap in East Asia and Pacific, with women unrepresented in the workforce.
More companies in India considering hybrid work model
With flexible work gaining momentum, about 73% of companies in India are evaluating the feasibility of hybrid working arrangements.
Large enterprises in Australia to continue hybrid work
Health authorities have been calling for a return to widespread remote work because of a worsening winter COVID-19 wave.
Singapore enhances mental health support at workplaces
The national task force on mental health will focus on stepping up resources for employees in the workplace.