Hong Kong allows public officials to WFH amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
Number of discouraged workers in South Korea hits all-time high in 2021
The number of discouraged workers in South Korea spiked to an all-time high in 2021 amid a weak labour market due to the prolonged pandemic.
New Zealand calls on for companies to be prepared for Omicron disruption
Finance Minister Grant Robertson cautioned firms to ensure business continuity plans are in place and vowed government support.
4 steps to accelerate digital transformation in 2022
Whichever stage of the digital transformation journey your organisation is on, progress is expected to accelerate in 2022, writes Laurence Smith.
Indonesia told to adopt more flexible WFH policy
Amid a spike in Omicron transmission, the WFH policy needs to be implemented with more flexibility, says the Labour Institute Indonesia.
Singapore urges firms to prepare for Omicron’s disruption to the workplace
Businesses, especially those providing essential services, should ensure robust business continuity plans like split-team arrangements.
5-day paid pandemic leave proposed in the Philippines
Sen. Leila De Lima has called on Congress to pass a law that mandates paid leave of five days for workers who contract COVID-19.
Taiwan’s unemployment rate fell in December for sixth straight month
The unemployment rate fell by 0.02 percentage points from November to 3.64% in December, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Indonesia’s female labour force participation remains low
The patriarchal culture in the country has caused the labour force participation (TPAK) of female workers to lag behind that of male ones.
India prepares to set a salary structure for WFH workers
A draft framework will be proposed to the Finance Ministry, with any subsequent changes requiring amendment to the tax laws.
BusinessNZ seeks clarity on SOP for Omicron outbreak
Clarity is being sought on the definitions of a contact, and the triggers for isolation once the Omicron strain starts spreading in the community.
Unemployment in Australia falls to lowest point in 13 years
The states of New South Wales and Victoria each added 32,000 and 25,000 to the employment numbers in late 2021, respectively.
Bill to protect workers’ rest hours proposed in the Philippines
The proposed bill will penalise employers who intrude on workers’ “rest hours” and to prevent tasks and meetings from encroaching on personal time.
Japan’s major business lobby urges firms to raise workers’ pay
A specific target of pay hikes that member firms should adopt was not specified, considering the varying pace of earnings recovery of companies.
Taiwan increases maternity and paternity leave
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has increased paid parental leave and implemented other family-friendly policies with immediate effect.
Unemployment in Vietnam expected to hit 1.3 million in 2022
Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam ranks second, while Indonesia takes top place at 6.1 million unemployed.
Qualified HR will help Indonesia compete in digital economy
Qualified human resources (HR) will support the country to gain a competitive edge in the digital economy, said President Joko Widodo.
Australian unions urge firms to cover costs of COVID-19 tests
The unions are asking employers to shoulder the cost of rapid tests until they are ideally provided free for everyone by the government.
South Korea to finalise extra budget to help businesses and self-employed
An extra budget of 14 trillion won (US$11.7 billion) is being planned to support small merchants and the self-employed hard-hit by the pandemic.
China’s unemployment rate fell in 2021 as more jobs created
Certain sectors, such as wholesale and retail, saw more employment, which contributed to the overall employment stability.
Thai PM not in favour of wage increases
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said now is not the time for a hike in salaries and wages as the country cannot bear the additional financial burden.
Malaysia disburses some RM1.3 million in compensation to delivery riders
The payments cover temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical expenses, and funeral and dependent benefits.
Employers urged to grant paid quarantine leave in the Philippines
Employers are encouraged to grant paid leave for workers who have contracted COVID-19 and need to be quarantined.
China could create 88 million jobs by 2030 through green efforts
One of the transitions identified by the World Economic Forum is eco-tourism, which is projected to create some US$53 billion of additional revenue.
Ushering in the new era of the hybrid workforce
With 2022 likely to be the year of hybrid work, organisations need to develop and introduce effective hybrid work strategies and policies.
Mapping the business transformation roadmap for Singapore’s F&B industry
The IHRP Playbook for Food Services highlights key human capital strategies and solutions adopted by companies in Singapore.
Clarification wanted on South Korea’s new industrial accident law
Foreign companies are calling on the government to provide “clarity” and “predictability” on the tougher law relating to serious industrial accidents.
P$1 billion of cash aid to be disbursed to workers in the Philippines
Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
Malaysia mandates employers to post job vacancies on MYFutureJobs
Employers in the country must advertise job vacancies on the MYFutureJobs portal to ensure that these opportunities are offered to locals first
Australian businesses lament government response to staffing crisis
Under more relaxed measures, only workers from some industries are allowed to return straight to work after recording a negative rapid antigen test.