Return to office trending in the Philippines
Several major business groups and companies are backing the government’s move to get employees to return to their workplaces.
Malaysian industry groups call for rethink of minimum wage hike
Calling the increase “too much, too soon”, industry associations urged the government to consider a gradual wage increase over three years instead.
Hong Kong’s unemployment drops in February quarter year-on-year
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.5% in the period from December 2021 to February 2022, from 7.2% in the same period the year prior.
Redefining HR leadership in a hybrid world of work
The role of the CHRO has arguably never been more important as organisations continue to plan for long-term business continuity and success.
Majority of firms in South Korea bullish on employment market in 2022
Over 80% of businesses also plan to hire fresh graduates among their new recruits, reported the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Malaysia approves amendments to Employment Act
The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 enhances protection against discrimination, safeguards well-being, and offers flexible work options for workers.
More needs to be done to address workplace racism in Australia
Less than a third of respondents of a recent survey said their company is proactively preventing racial discrimination in the workplace.
Singapore to release final tranche of wage subsidies
By the end of March, more than 99,000 employers will receive S$840 million (US$619 million) under the Wage Credit Scheme (WCS).
Indonesia needs at least nine million digital talents by 2030
Indonesia’s ratio of entrepreneurs to its population stands at 3.47%, which is relatively low and needs to be improved, said Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
Unemployment rate lowest since January 2020 in the Philippines
The unemployment rate in January was 6.4%, the lowest in two years or since the 5.3% in January 2020 before the pandemic began.
Malaysia to raise minimum wage to RM1,500 on May 1
The minimum wage rate would apply to private sector companies nationwide that are employing a minimum of five workers.
Thailand plots roadmap to gender equality in business
This aims to increase women’s empowerment in the workplace and Thailand’s progress towards sustainable socio-economic development.
Big firms in Hong Kong to be excluded from government subsidies
The subsidy package will cover a monthly subsidy of HK$8,000 for each full-time employee, spanning a three-month period between May and July.
4-day workweek to be decided by companies in the Philippines
Instead of the government issuing a blanket four-day workweek mandate, companies will decide whether to adopt this practice themselves.
Australia sees strong job recruitment activity in February
Recruitment activity was highest in Western Australia (59%) and Victoria (58%), revealed a report by the National Skills Commission.
Workplace harassment to be compensated in South Korea
Under the revised Accident Compensation Act for Public Servants, sickness and death caused by workplace harassment will be compensated.
Japan’s top firms agree to minimum wage raise of over 2%
The prime minister had previously called for a wider distribution of wealth, and urged companies to increase wages of their workers by 3% or more.
The evaluation of the employee listening space
Josh Bersin highlights what recent acquisitions signal about the employee listening segment of the HR tech market.
DOLE calls for 3 months of wages subsidy in the Philippines
A wage subsidy worth P24 billion (US$459 million) has been proposed to counter the impact of rising oil prices on workers.
Australia records lowest unemployment rate since 2008
77,400 jobs in February, with full-time jobs rising by over 4,000 a day, bringing total roles added in the month to 121,900.
Companies in Japan no longer need to identify COVID-19 close contacts
The central government will no longer require companies to identify employees who have had close contacts with coronavirus patients.
South Korea’s unemployment rate in February falls to record low of 2.7%
Some 254,000 jobs were added in healthcare and social services,
while some 135,000 jobs were added in transportation and warehouses.
Two Cents: Agile mindset underpins the transition to flexible working
Organisations are increasingly seeking flexible ways of working that prioritise the well-being of employees.
Casual workers in Victoria state to get 5 days paid sick leave
Victoria will be the first state in Australia to push out a trial to grant five days of paid sick and carer’s leave annually to casual workers.
MSMEs in the Philippines need more subsidies than financing
MSMEs generally are risk-averse to loans, and many belong to the informal sector, or are unbanked, said the representative of Marikina City.
China targets to create 13 million jobs this year
“Pro-job policies”, including tax and fee cuts totaling US$400 billion for businesses, especially small entrepreneurs, are planned.
Driving Environmental, Social and Governance as a workforce strategy
Building an effective business strategy around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is becoming a growing priority for organisations.
Malaysian NGOs ask for support of seven-day paternity leave
An amendment to the Employment Act allowing three days of paid paternity leave was previously proposed, but the NGOs said that it was insufficient.
Record number of Australians working multiple jobs
A record 850,000 Australians were working multiple jobs in the last quarter of 2021, an increase of almost 100,000 quarter-on-quarter.
South Korea urged not to abolish gender equality ministry
Willem Adema, senior economist in the OECD, said the move is premature and gives a completely “wrong policy signal” in the fight for gender equality.