Workers in Singapore can return to the workplace from April 26

Employees will also be allowed to remove masks when they are not interacting physically with others and when they are not in customer-facing areas.
Big companies in India continue hybrid work policies

In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, companies are asking workers to continue work from home, or are adopting a hybrid system.
Majority of New Zealanders seeking jobs rely on Jobseeker Support

A total of 177,642 people were receiving Jobseeker Support as of end-March, and of these people, some 100,854 were “work ready”.
Impact of minimum wage hike concerns Vietnam companies

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has proposed that the increase in minimum wage be postponed till January 1 next year.
Greenfield agreements expected to boost Australian businesses and jobs

Such an agreement offers employers flexibility with the circumstances of their workers, covering conditions like pay, for instance.
Japan running out of funds for parental leave allowances

The ballooning cost to provide allowances for employees who take parental leave is causing fears of a fund shortage.
Malaysia to implement new minimum wage from May 1

Beside the wage hike, the government also aims to create 300,000 jobs for the homeless this year, under its Zero Homelessness Initiative.
Thailand calls for workplace safety as employees return to office

Employers are reminded to look after their workers and take precautionary measures if they choose to hold gatherings.
Recharge EX with employee wellbeing at the core

Employee wellbeing is becoming increasingly critical for organisations as they look to nurture a healthy and productive workforce.
Firms in Vietnam want reforms for favourable business environment

Many drafted regulations were raising concerns among companies that the policies would impose an additional cost burden on businesses.
Japan moots scheme to insure all workers in the country

The government will soon initiate discussions on expanding the coverage of employee pensions and health insurance programmes to all workers.
Thailand urges firms to WFH for a week after Songkran holiday

Businesses and organisations should adopt a policy of working from home for between 5 and 7 days, said the Department of Disease Control.
3.22 million workers in South Korea paid less than minimum wage

The number of workers who were paid less than the minimum wage was 3,215,000 last year, the second highest annual figure after 2019’s 3,386,000.
Whenever, wherever: The future of work beyond hybrid

Gary Cookson, Director of EPIC HR, discusses what organisations need to consider to make hybrid working a success.
Learning platform allows MSMEs in the Philippines to build digital skills

The ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 platform provides training and mentorship to MSMEs by featuring localised courses on topics of interest.
Australia’s unemployment rate hits record low in March

The jobless rate in the country was 4.0% in March, one of the lowest readings since 1974, and is expected to drop further.
Indian startups embrace “work from anywhere” arrangement

This has allowed a particular startup to hire from a large pool of talent, with 95% of staff working from other locations.
SMEs in Malaysia expected to feel impact of proposed minimum wage

The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) has expressed its disappointment over the hike in minimum wage.
More large Japan businesses plan to increase headcount in 2023

Out of the 117 businesses surveyed by Kyodo News, 49 firms said that they will hire more fresh graduates starting next April.
Australia invests in four new AI centres to boost employment

A$44 million (US$32.5 million) is being invested in four new artificial intelligence and digital capability centres to stimulate growth and employment.
South Korea’s unemployment rate in March near historical low

The unemployment rate in the country stood near a historical low in March, while the number of people employed rose for a 13th consecutive month.
Malaysia to exclude some sectors from minimum wage rate mandate

These include the informal sector, companies employing less than five workers, and businesses facing huge losses because of the pandemic.
Navigating labour market recovery by putting people first

Leaders in ASEAN are coming together to devise strategies that will allow organisations and people in the region to recover from the pandemic.
Singapore’s female employees want flexibility at work

About 54% of women in the city state want flexibility at work, but fear the stigma that comes with it, revealed a new LinkedIn survey.
Vietnam plans to increase minimum wage rate by 6% from July

If approved, the plan would see the increase of the minimum monthly wage to between VND3.25 million and VND4.68 million.
Indonesia rolls out measures to narrow gender pay gap

The government has continued to enforce several measures to ensure equal pay for female and male workers, including setting up a labour watchdog.
Implementation of four-day workweek unlikely in Malaysia

Most employers are not ready to adopt a four-day workweek, noted the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
China launches campaign to limit overtime work

To protect workers’ rights to adequate rest, the authorities are clamping down on employers who make their staff clock excessive overtime.
Hitachi joins four-day workweek drive in Japan

Hitachi employees now have more flexibility to change and organise their schedules to work only four days a week.
Victorian government calls for paid family violence leave

The government of Australia’s Victoria state has called for at least 10 days of paid family violence leave to be offered to all government workers.