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.
Cambodian labour unions want minimum wage hike
Labour unions have quoted US$204-214 as the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear, bags and travel goods sectors in 2023.
How HR can play a leading role with Gen Z
Yvonne Teo, Vice-President, HR, Asia-Pacific, ADP, discusses how HR can lead a new generation of Gen Z employees in the workplace.
South Korea trials sickness benefits for workers
The programme entails providing sick pay to workers who need to go on unpaid leave for injuries that occurred outside the workplace.
Why compensation is vital in the Great Employee Reset
An integrated compensations and benefit strategy could be the key for organisations to retain their best talent, BIPO highlights.
Indonesian ministry backs maternity leave provision of six months
Sufficient leave would help mothers spend more time to stimulate their children, which can support the child’s growth and development, says Kemenko PMK.
South Korea finalises minimum wage for 2023
The Minimum Wage Commission has agreed on a minimum hourly wage increase of 5% to 9,620 won (US$7.40) for next year.
Australia mulls increasing parental leave for working fathers
Currently, the primary caregiver in a relationship receives 18 weeks of paid leave at the minimum wage, while fathers receive just two weeks of paid leave.
Women in Australia under-represented in workplace leadership
Australian women are more educated and qualified than men, but are under-represented in leadership positions and workforce participation.
Overtime to be calculated on a monthly basis in South Korea
The incoming government will address the country’s 52-hour workweek policy and the seniority-based pay models adopted by most companies.
Hunan province in China extends maternity leave
Working mothers who have used up their maternity leave can now apply for an extension of more days up until the child is one year old.
Starbucks brews up work-life integration
Patrick Kwok, General Manager, Starbucks Singapore, shares how employees are benefiting from the Starbucks Experience.
Most employees in Laos to receive wage raise
The monthly minimum wage for private-sector employees will be increased from 1.1 million kips (US$73) to 1.3 million kips (US$87).