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Middle East Edition
4th October 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
How to make workplace well-being programmes better
The World Health Organization (WHO) says mental health issues among employees lead to a staggering loss of $1 trillion in productivity annually. The WHO urges employers to implement effective well-being programmes to address this growing crisis. However, a UK study involving 46,336 employees from 233 organisations found that many common initiatives, such as mindfulness classes and mental health coaching, fail to improve employee well-being. Despite global investments exceeding $60bn in these programmes, their impact remains minimal. "Avoiding generic self-help approaches will enhance their overall impact," the WHO report says. To truly benefit employees, well-being initiatives must be tailored, effectively implemented, and focus on promoting flourishing and purpose in life, writes Jolanta Burhe, senior lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin.
LEGAL
Qatar's Minister of Labour attends ALO Board of Directors meeting
During the 101st session of the Governing Body of the Arab Labour Organization (ALO) in Cairo, Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri represented Qatar, which has taken on the role of Chairman until September 2024. The session focused on key issues, including the implementation of resolutions from the previous sessions and the situation of workers in occupied Arab territories. Dr. Al Marri said: "The Council addressed several crucial matters," highlighting the importance of tripartite representation among governments, employers, and workers in the Arab region. The meeting also reviewed outcomes from the Economic and Social Council and the Higher Coordination Committee for Joint Arab Action.
Saudi courts gain power over domestic disputes
Saudi Arabia's labour courts have been granted jurisdiction over disputes involving domestic workers, following an announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources. Individuals wishing to file lawsuits must first apply through the ministry's online service, “Filing a Domestic Worker Case.” The ministry aims to facilitate amicable settlements before disputes are referred to the courts, saying: "Reaching an amicable settlement is assigned to the Ministry of Human Resources." If a resolution is not achieved within 21 days, the case will be escalated to the labour courts. This initiative is part of broader reforms introduced in 2018 to expedite litigation and enhance justice delivery in the kingdom.
INVESTMENT
Starbucks CEO Niccol continues overhaul of executive ranks
New Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol is continuing his reshuffle of the company's leadership ranks, with the elimination of the role of global chief merchant and product officer held by Lyne Castonguay, a position created by ousted CEO Laxman Narasimhan as part of a broader reorganisation in March. Other changes made by Niccol since he joined on September 9th include the appointment of Molly Liu as sole leader of the business in China, and the abolition of the role of North America CEO. Instead of replacing Michael Conway, Starbucks is planning to  appoint a global chief brand officer overseeing marketing, product, creative, digital and data. A Starbucks spokesperson said the company is looking to deliver “a compelling and consistent brand experience across every customer touchpoint,” adding: “This is best done when there is clear accountability under a single leader – a global chief brand officer.”
HYBRID WORKING
Google reaffirms its commitment to hybrid work
Google has reaffirmed its commitment to a hybrid work model, dismissing concerns about a full-time return to the office, as per Amazon's recent decision on the issue. During a town hall meeting, John Casey, Google's vice president of global compensation and benefits, said: "We believe that the current policy strikes a good balance between flexibility and productivity." Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining productivity while working from home. However, some employees, particularly in hardware teams, are required to be in the office four days a week. Google has also tightened its rules regarding in-office attendance, implementing hot-desking and piloting new workspace designs called "neighbourhoods."
ECONOMY
Libyan oilfields reopen after central bank dispute resolved
Libya's eastern-based government and the National Oil Corporation (NOC) have announced the reopening of all oilfields and export terminals following a resolution of a leadership dispute at the country’s central bank.
INTERNATIONAL
Medical conditions leave one in five jobless in UK or limit their ability to work
According to a report by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, Britain's ill-health crisis is significantly impacting the workforce, with over 8m adults either jobless or limited in their work capacity. The study reveals that one in five working-age individuals suffers from health conditions that hinder their employment, with those affected being three times more likely to be unemployed. The report highlights a 37% increase in such cases since 2013, with 4.3m people currently out of work due to health issues. It goes on to call for reforms in sick pay and urges the government to incentivise employers to support workforce health. Some 60,000 women are currently off work due to symptoms relating to the menopause, costing the UK economy £11bn annually. Sacha Romanovitch, chairman of the commission, said: “If we intervene early and provide the right support, people can stay at work for longer. That is a goal that is great for individuals, great for businesses and great for society.”
Greens push to end junior wage rates in Australia
The Greens in Australia are advocating for the abolition of junior wage rates for young workers, intensifying pressure on the Albanese government for further industrial relations reforms post-election. ACTU secretary Sally McManus has called for the removal of lower pay rates for workers under 21 in sectors like retail and fast food, potentially benefiting around 500,000 workers over 18. Senator Barbara Pocock said: “Young people don't get junior prices at the supermarket . . . so why should they get less pay for the same work?” However, employer groups claim that such changes could be financially burdensome. The Australian Retail Association's Paul Zahra emphasised that junior rates help young workers gain experience, and without them, “young people might otherwise struggle to compete against older, more experienced applicants.” The debate continues as the government prepares for the upcoming election.
Apple accused of imposing illegal workplace rules
The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of silencing its employees through strict workplace policies that violate their right to organise and advocate for better working conditions. The complaint claims Apple required employees nationwide to sign illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements and imposed overly broad misconduct and social media policies. The NLRB has asked Apple to remove the restrictive workplace policies and issue a statement informing its employees of their rights. If Apple doesn’t do that, the case will be heard before an administrative judge in early 2025. In a statement, Apple said: "We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing."
CERN staff are accelerators too
Italian president Sergio Mattarella has told researchers at CERN that they are accelerators themselves at a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the creation of the nuclear particle physic lab in Geneva. "To all of you at CERN, to the scientists who are a living part of it, goes the most intense wish for an ever brilliant future," said Mattarella, who is currently serving as the 12th president of Italy since 2015, and as such is the longest-serving president in the history of the Italian Republic. "You are accelerators yourselves . . . Accelerators of scientific progress, of research for a common good that knows how to look beyond the narrow limits of local interests, projected towards the recognition of a destiny shared by humanity."
 


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