The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
16th August 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Many Thais are interested in remote work for overseas companies
Thailand's overall unemployment rate decreased from May to June, except in Bangkok, according to a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The total number of unemployed individuals in June was estimated at 379,000, down from about 482,000 in May. The survey included the working-age population of 59.19 million people aged 15 and older. The unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 dropped from 7% to 5.1%, while the rate among those aged 25 and older fell from 0.6% to 0.5%. Bangkok, however, experienced a slight increase in unemployment from 12% to 13%. University graduates constituted the largest group of unemployed individuals, followed by high school and vocational school graduates. A survey conducted by SEEK found that 76% of Thai respondents were interested in working remotely for a company in another country while still living in Thailand. The top destinations for these Thais were Singapore, Australia, the US, and China. Thailand moved up in the world rankings of top destinations where people want to work abroad. SEEK cited a high quality of life, friendliness of the local people, non-discrimination culture, and low living costs as reasons attracting foreigners to work in Thailand. As of March, there were approximately 2.7 million foreign workers in Thailand, accounting for 7% of the country's workforce.
LEGAL
Analysis highlights wrongful dismissal cases in small businesses in South Korea
An analysis by a local civic group, Workplace Gapjil 119, has revealed numerous cases of wrongful dismissal in small businesses in South Korea. The majority of the cases involved employees who were fired for reasons such as packing their own lunch instead of eating with co-workers or rejecting a romantic advance from their boss. It was found that many clauses of South Korea's Labor Standards Act, which stipulates working conditions for employees, are not applicable to smaller businesses with fewer than five employees. This means that small business owners do not have to justify the dismissal of an employee and are not subject to legal clauses regarding working hours, overtime, or paid leave. The analysis also showed that many of the employees who were wrongfully dismissed had also experienced workplace bullying or sexual harassment. The civic group is calling for the Labor Standards Act to be applied to smaller businesses in order to address these issues.
STRATEGY
Foreign law firms cautious about entering Indian market
Narendra Modi's business-friendly government has opened the door for foreign law firms to operate in India, but few are taking the opportunity. The guidance issued by India's bar council in 2023 allowing foreign lawyers to practice international law in the country has not been met with enthusiasm. Many law firms are hesitant due to past difficulties and uncertainty over the implementation of the new permission. Some firms have opted for a "fly in, fly out" approach, running operations from nearby locations like Singapore. However, India's growing economy and the surge in M&A transactions have attracted foreign law firms, and the likes of Baker McKenzie and Dentons are said to be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to open offices there. The specifics of what foreign law firms can do under the new guidance remain unclear, and the implementation process may be challenging.
REMUNERATION
Malaysia to implement new public service compensation scheme
Malaysia will switch to a new public service compensation scheme from December 1, which will result in pay hikes and salary restructuring for the country's 1.6 million civil servants. The move is part of the government's fiscal reforms, including fuel subsidy cuts and higher taxes, while providing increased financial aid to the needy. The salary adjustments will range between 16.8% and 42.7%, with civil servants in top management roles receiving a 7% hike and those in professional and executive roles seeing an adjustment of about 15%. The changes are expected to cost the government over 10 billion ringgit ($2.25bn) annually.
Cognizant Technology Solutions faces criticism for meagre salary raises
Cognizant Technology Solutions has faced criticism for offering its lowest salary packages to freshers in a decade. The company has given some employees annual salary hikes as small as 1%, after a four-month delay. The salary hikes range from 1% to 5%. Last year, the company gave its employees salary increases ranging from 7% to 11%. The introduction of these modest salary increases comes amid widespread criticism of Cognizant for offering its lowest starting salaries in a decade. The company employs approximately 254,000 people in India, which accounts for about 70% of its overall workforce. In the quarter ending in June, the company saw a decrease in its total workforce by 8,100. Although Cognizant is one of India's major outsourcing firms, industry experts indicate that the company has reduced its latest salary package to levels reminiscent of 2002.
WORKFORCE
Hong Kong lawmakers urge school placement help after poll shows 60% of expats bring children
More than 60% of people coming to Hong Kong under talent schemes bring their children with them, according to a survey. The survey also found that one in five respondents were temporarily unemployed. Families with one child studying in Hong Kong made up 31.16%, while those with two accounted for 26.13%. Lawmaker Jesse Shang Hailong called for more support to help talent scheme participants' children secure school places. The survey polled people who came to Hong Kong through various talent schemes, with a majority coming under the Top Talent Pass Scheme. The survey results highlight the city's diverse education system as a major draw for top talent.
ECONOMY
China's courier sector surpasses 100bn parcel milestone
China's courier sector has reached a significant milestone by surpassing the 100bn-parcel mark this year, reflecting the booming consumer market and sustained economic vitality. The State Post Bureau (SPB) reported that this milestone was achieved 71 days earlier than the previous year, with an average of 71.43 packages per person in China or 5,144 packages delivered every second. The express delivery sector has become a key indicator of the country's economic health, setting new records in delivery volume, monthly volume, and monthly revenue. China's efficient logistics network covers even the most remote areas, with over 95% of villages having access to express delivery services. Technological innovation, such as drones and autonomous delivery vehicles, has further improved delivery efficiency. The SPB plans to enhance logistics hubs, improve rural logistics systems, expand international delivery services, and integrate the delivery chain with advanced manufacturing.
INTERNATIONAL
Former employee loses religious discrimination lawsuit after being fired for anti-gay online posting
A former employee in the US who was fired for posting an anti-LGBTQ statement on his company intranet has had his religious discrimination claim dismissed by a federal appellate court. The employee, Daniel Snyder, alleged that he was discriminated against for his religious beliefs after he posted the statement on the company's internal message board. However, the court ruled that Snyder was disciplined for his conduct in posting the statement, not for his views on gay people. The court also rejected Snyder's claim of illegal retaliation, stating that the use of rainbow images does not create an abusive working environment. Snyder's lawsuit was dismissed, but his attorney maintains that the company violated his religious rights.
Israel's tech employees contribute over a third of tax income, study finds
Israel's tech employees contribute more than a third of all tax income collected in the country, according to a joint report by the Israel Innovation Authority and the Finance Ministry's chief economist division. The report highlights the importance of the tech sector as a key driver for the growth of the economy, especially during times of crisis. The tech industry in Israel has significantly grown in the past decade, with tech employees responsible for about 36% of income tax payments in 2021. The sector's contribution to state revenues has also increased, making up about 9.2% of the state budget in 2020. The report emphasizes the need for investment in startups and education for underrepresented populations to secure the future growth of the tech sector and ensure continued tax revenue. "Israel's natural resource is human capital," said Israel Innovation Authority CEO Dror Bin. "High-tech serves as the 'growth engine' of the economy and acts as a 'shock absorber' during crises."
UK employment tribunal rules winking at female worker is sexual harassment
An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that winking at a female worker can be classified as sexual harassment. The case involved waitress Jenna Almussawi, who was awarded £41,535 ($53,000) after being subjected to a campaign of harassment by her boss Wejdi Moussa. The restaurant boss repeatedly winked at Almussawi and made inappropriate comments about her appearance. The tribunal condemned Moussa's behavior, saying that the winking amounted to harassment and was clearly unwanted conduct. The waitress also alleged unfair dismissal, but this claim was not upheld.
OTHER
Japan's incontinence care market to surpass ¥100bn by 2026
Japan's incontinence care market, which includes adult diapers, grew from ¥78.3bn ($532m) in 2019 to ¥98bn in 2023, and is on track to surpass ¥100bn by the end of 2024, as the nation braces for a "super-aged" society. The country's post-war baby boomers — those born between 1947 and 1949 — are now turning 75 or older, leading to what's referred to as the "2025 problem" that is expected to strain medical and caregiving services. Unicharm, the market leader in incontinence care, is actively expanding its line-up of incontinence pads. Daio Paper, meanwhile, which focuses on products for hospitals and care facilities, is collaborating with the University of Tokyo and other academic institutions to enhance the quality of its products. Cosmetics group Kao has noted that the number of "business carers", those juggling work with caregiving duties, is increasing, making it difficult to provide constant care. As such, the company is focusing on products that promote independence.
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe