Should 2022 bring new challenges and new technologies?
Steve Boese examines what mattered to HR professionals in 2011 and how these continue to impact the workplace and HR tech in 2022.
India’s central government allows 50% of staff to WFH
Amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the central government is allowing half of its employees below the rank of under secretary to work from home.
Singapore’s professional services sector told to redesign jobs
Job redesign and employee well-being will be key to retaining employees, says Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance.
Indonesia sets out to address labour issues in 2022
Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has revealed resolutions to address labour issues, including breakthroughs to restore the national economy.
Malaysia urged to create more high-skilled jobs
High-skilled jobs in the country remains at a low proportion, compared to other advanced economies such as Singapore.
South Korea raises minimum wage by 5.1% in 2022
The minimum wage for 2022 has been set at 9,160 won (US$7.7) per hour, the first time it has exceeded 9,000 won (US$7.5).
Vietnam speeds up digital transformation
There are now around 64,000 digital technology companies in Vietnam, after 5,600 new companies were established in 2021.
India to implement new labour codes in FY2022-23
The Labour Ministry is planning to implement all four new labour codes in the new fiscal year, set to replace 29 current labour laws.
Companies in Japan optimistic about growth prospects in 2022
The majority of companies surveyed by Kyodo News expects Japan to register positive economic growth in 2022.
Seoul has best work-life balance in South Korea
Seoul topped other cities and provinces in terms of work-life balance, a recent survey by the Ministry of Employment and Labour has shown.
61.7% of Malaysian companies want to continue with hybrid work model
A survey has shown that the majority of businesses in Malaysia are opting to continue with the hybrid model of on-site and remote working.
P250-million fund assists startups for job creation in the Philippines
The Department of Trade and Industry has partnered with the National Development Co to set up a P250-million (US$4.9-million) fund for local startups.
18% of Japan’s companies plan to raise salaries by 3% or more
Despite calls for firms to raise pay by more than 3%, only 18% have indicated that they will do so at the upcoming wage negotiations.
South Korea’s number of companies rise 18% over past five years
As of end-2020, the country registered a total of 6,013,000 businesses, an increase of 17.8% from five years earlier.
No change to minimum wage in Myanmar
The minimum daily wage will remain at Ks4,800 (US$2.67) as decided by the National Committee on Minimum Wage.
More support urged for Singapore’s gig workers
It was also proposed that platform companies should provide a baseline level of coverage for work injuries sustained by these workers.
Indonesia to continue developing digital talent in 2022
To quicken the pace of digital transformation in the country, a digital talent development programme will be continued in the new year.
Taiwan increases paid leave for expectant mothers
The amended law also allows spouses of pregnant women to take up to seven days of paid leave to attend prenatal appointments with their wives.
Thailand mandates government workers to WFH
To curb the spread of the Omicron virus, all government officials have been directed to work from home (WFH) after the New Year break.
Jakarta’s minimum wage hike faces backlash
The Indonesian Employers’ Association has said that it was considering a lawsuit to block the governor’s proposition of a larger increase.
More South Korean employees want to work shorter hours
77.8% of salaried workers are in favour of the 52-hour workweek, a policy launched in 2018 to reduce long working hours.
Smaller firms in Japan can transfer costs to larger businesses
This is to prevent larger firms from taking advantage of their size and setting unfairly low prices when engaging in business with subcontractors.
Taiwan to increase minimum wage for 2022
The Executive Yuan has approved the raising of the minimum monthly wage to NT$25,250 (US$913) and the minimum hourly wage to NT$168 (US$6).
4.7 million displaced workers supported in the Philippines
Altogether, the government has disbursed PHP26.1 billion worth of social protection assistance under various programmes.
More workers in Japan leaving their jobs for better ones
This has seen the unemployment rate rise to 2.8% in November, an increase of 0.1 percentage point month-on-month.
Cambodia looks to create over 150,000 jobs through new investments
The country has approved 195 new investment projects and 43 production expansion requests that would provide more jobs.
Most workers in the Philippines will receive 13th-month pay
More than 80% of employers have given their workers their 13th-month pay as required by labour laws, or will do so in January.
Majority of South Koreans harbour pessimistic job outlooks
At least one in five young South Koreans, aged 15 to 29, were job searching as of October, according to data from Statistics Korea.
India likely to continue WFH policy into 2022
The Central government has started discussions to set rules to regulate work from home (WFH) amid rising cases of the Omicron variant in the country.
Singapore bars unvaccinated workers from workplace from January 15
Workers who are partially vaccinated will be granted a grace period of up till January 31 to complete their full vaccination regime.