Indonesia distributes Rp$947 billion in wage subsidies
Eligible recipients will receive Rp$1 million for two consecutive months, and will have to be registered with the Workers Social Security Agency.
Creating an inclusive workplace for the future of work
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021 will shine a spotlight on how ASEAN countries are working to promote inclusivity in the workplace.
Getting a healthy start to employee wellness
With a range of customised and inclusive product offerings, Prudential is helping organisations build a healthier and more productive workforce.
“No vaccine, no work” policy examined in the Philippines
A labour group has urged the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) to investigate companies which discriminate against unvaccinated workers.
Beijing awards additional maternity leave for third child
This is on top of an additional 30 days of maternity leave that mothers of a third child were awarded at end-May.
Vietnam’s southern provinces seek to end stay-at-work arrangements
Many companies in the southern part of the country are seeking approval to allow their staff to go back to their own residences.
Taiwan sees fall in furloughed workers in first week of August
This was largely due to the improvement in employment in the F&B, wholesale and retail sectors, based on official data.
Employers to exercise discretion on mandating vaccination: Australian PM
The country will not enact special laws to mandate vaccination, but employers can make inoculation compulsory in high-risk environments.
Reopening of Malaysian businesses depends on risk of COVID-19 infection
Malaysia’s National Security Council is expected to announce the reopening of business sectors on the week of August 9.,
Japan’s summer bonuses fall for third consecutive year
The survey by the Japan Business Federation found that the pandemic impacted businesses in the non-manufacturing sectors the most.
Singapore to allow 50% of staff to return to workplaces from August 19
Up to half of employees will be permitted to return to their workplaces starting August 19 as the country prepares to relax its pandemic restrictions.
Employers should not use government relief funds for workers’ pay
Taiwan’s New Power Party (NPP) has raised the issue of employers using pandemic relief funds to pay their staff’s salaries.
New Zealand’s wage inflation rises 2.1% in the year-to-June quarter
The labour cost index (LCI) of all salary and wages, including overtime pay, increased by 2.1%, showing an increase of 1.6% in the year-to-March 2021 quarter.
Japan steps up vaccination at more workplaces
More workplaces are scheduled to start their on-site vaccination programmes In August, said prime minister Yoshihide Suga.
South Korea officially sets next year’s minimum wage rate at 9,160 won
The new rate will take effect on 1 January 2022, translating to a monthly wage of 1.91 million won (US$1,672), and will apply across all industries.
Companies urges Thai government to grant tax relief for vaccinations
Companies have asked the government to allow them to deduct the cost of vaccinating their employees from their corporate taxes.
New Zealand’s unemployment rate falls to 4% in June quarter
The number of unemployed people declined by 12.4%, marking the largest quarterly percentage fall in unemployment since 1986.
India’s jobless rate at 4-month low in July
The unemployment rate in the country fell to 6.95% in July – the lowest in four months, an indication of possible recovery in the labour market.
Singapore provides working parents with more benefits
Parents who were previously not eligible for paternity or adoption leave can now qualify for benefits up to S$30,000.
Mandatory vaccination for key-sector workers in Hong Kong
Civil servants, teachers and healthcare workers must get inoculated against COVID-19 or pay for regular testing.
Malaysian Employers Federation seeks to be part of reopening stakeholders
The Malaysian government aims to fully reopen the economy by October earliest, based around recommendations by the National Recovery Council.
Philippines seeks additional funds to help workers through lockdown
Formal workers will be able to receive a one-time cash assistance of P$5,000 (US$100) under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Programme.
Positive correlations between recognition and key business metrics
Meijer turned to Achievers to implement a formal recognition programme that will recognise and reward team members for their daily contributions.
Laos urges the unemployed to seek help in finding jobs
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has urged local officials to provide information on the number of unemployed people who need assistance.
Singapore’s resident employment grew at slower pace in Q2
Resident employment for citizens and permanent residents continued to expand, though at a slow pace due to stricter pandemic measures from May 16.
South Korean president urges for swift disbursement of pandemic aid
The 34.9-trillion-won (US$30.5-billion) supplementary budget should be disbursed swiftly to pandemic-hit businesses and people.
China to create business environment that supports growth of SMEs
Vice-Premier Liu He has also urged entrepreneurs to contribute to China’s economic development by supporting SMEs in the country.,
ADB loan to boost youth employment in the Philippines
A US$400-million (₱20.1-billion) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will expand employment and skills programmes for youth in the country.
Malaysia proposes enhanced SOPs for reopening of small businesses
Under the proposal, business owners and workers will have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a weekly COVID-19 swab test.
68.1% of older South Koreans want to work till 73
About 68.1% of South Koreans aged between 55 and 79 said they would want to work till an average age of 73, health permitting.