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.
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.
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,
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.
Malaysia maintains WFH order in Putrajaya
Those in the management and supervisory posts in conditional movement control order (MCO) areas have been told to continue working from home.
Hong Kong’s 14-week maternity leave takes effect December 11
The maternity leave pay is to be calculated at four-fifths the daily average of the wages earned by the employee.
Cambodia’s plans to buy vaccine lifts business confidence
The decision to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for the kingdom’s citizens is set to boost business confidence and the prospect of economic recovery.
South Korea’s gig workers to receive greater employment protection
Amendments to various employment acts were made after the country’s delivery workers died due to overwork.
Country should raise minimum wage, says the Malaysian Trades Union Congress
An increase in the retirement age instead, would affect new jobseekers, says MTUC.
Australia: Employers can offer part-timers extra working hours, but not on overtime basis
The change in policy aims to create more flexibility for employers and more hours for employees.