China mulls harsher penalties for workplace safety breaches
Lawmakers are proposing heavier disciplinary measures on workplaces which violate workplace safety in an effort to enhance risk management.
Japanese politician proposes 4-day work week
Member of the Japan House of Councillors Kuniko Inoguchi is backing a bill that would give workers a four-day work week.
Malaysia steps up delivery of Permai package
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has committed to the quick implementation of the Permai financial package.
More South Korean workers are working two jobs
Among new recruits last December, some 407,000 people had experience working at a second job, data shows.
Trade bodies in Singapore support fair hiring and employment practices
Twenty-nine organisations from the Trade Associations & Chambers (TACs) have pledged their support for fair hiring and employment practices.
India proposes WFH for manufacturing industry
The government is considering whether some activity under the manufacturing sector should also have the flexibility to work from home (WFH).
Australian companies deploy hybrid work model
Australia’s Commonwealth Bank intends to keep a hybrid model of staff working from the office and home.
Crucial to protect workers’ rights as teleworking becomes the norm: UN
Problems facing workers who work from home and their employers need greater attention, including the rights and risks involved, says the ILO.
Flexi work arrangements can improve employees’ mental health
In Singapore, as more employees head back to the office, giving them more flexibility over work arrangements can boost their mental well-being.
Malaysian unions urge government to prevent retrenchments as MCO starts
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress had previously proposed emergency employment laws to be enacted to prevent businesses from retrenching workers.
Health and safety are at the heart of business continuity
John Sumser explains why organisations need to priortise health and safety as they explore approaches to create business continuity.
Singapore seeks to raise wages of bottom-rung workers
Senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the country needs to raise the salaries of workers at the bottom of the ladder.
Some Malaysian employers cover up status of staff infected by COVID-19
Fearing that their businesses will not be able to operate at full capacity, some employers remained silent about staff testing positive for the virus.
People-centric Sime Darby Property leads employees with mental health awareness at the forefront
Malaysia’s leading property developer sees their employees’ mental wellbeing as a priority.
Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers
Employers will also be responsible for medical costs and ensuring the welfare of their foreign workers.
New loan guarantees provide Thai SMEs with more financial flexibility
The new loan programmes have a combined loan guarantee of 40 billion baht, and will be rolled out through six financial institutions.
Taiwan sees weekly drop in furloughed workers
The government expects the number to drop further, with the upcoming Lunar New Year boosting domestic demand and businesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Zealand to raise minimum wage to NZ$20 an hour from April 1
The minimum wage hike is set to increase the incomes of some 175,500 citizens who work 40 hours per week.