The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
20th January 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Global unemployment to hold steady at 5%, ILO says
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has said global unemployment remained steady last year at an historical low of 5%, where it is set to stay in 2025. However, the ILO said job creation would be limited by a global economic slowdown from 3.3% to around 3.2% last year, and a gradual medium-term deceleration. "The global economy continues to expand at a moderate rate, but it is projected to gradually lose steam, preventing a stronger and more durable labour market recovery," the ILO's flagship report on global employment and social trends said. Meanwhile, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo urged bold action to help address barriers to a thriving labour market. "The world must embrace new approaches to social justice that generate decent work," Houngbo wrote in the report's preface.
HIRING
Indian firms gear up for hiring
According to the Total Remuneration Survey released by Mercer, 37% of Indian organisations are set to increase their headcount in 2025, with an overall salary increment projected at 9.4%. The automotive sector leads with a 10% increase, while the manufacturing and engineering sectors are expected to see increments rise from 8% to 9.7%. The survey, which included over 1,550 companies, highlights a shift towards strategic recruitment and performance-linked pay as key trends for talent retention. Mansee Singhal, Mercer's India Careers Leader, observed: “Pay premiums are also reshaping the workforce.” The report also notes that voluntary attrition is likely to stabilise at 11.9%.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
China boosts skilled worker training
China is set to enhance its policy support for companies to develop skilled workers, aiming to cultivate over 15,000 leading talents and 5m highly skilled workers within three years. The initiative, announced by eight government departments, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, seeks to address a structural imbalance in the workforce, where over 200m skilled workers represent more than 26% of the total workforce. An official observed: "China's evolving industrial landscape requires a higher calibre of skilled labour." The policy encourages enterprises to invest in talent development, with plans to establish over 400 national skilled talent training bases by 2025, covering various sectors. Incentives for highly skilled workers will include profit sharing and special government allowances.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Paw-sitive change: pet care leave on the rise
In Singapore, pet care leave is an emerging trend among local companies, Straits Times reports. Public relations and marketing agency Brave Communications is leading the way by offering eight days of leave for employees to care for their pets. Trisha Lim, a public relations manager, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We are glad that there are bosses out there who are supportive and understanding about the stress and anxiety that pet owners go through.” Emilyn Ang, the founder of Brave Communications, introduced the policy after experiencing the challenges of caring for her own pet. Although pet care leave is still rare, firms including Mars and TBWA are beginning to adopt similar policies as they recognise the importance of supporting employees' mental health and well-being.
Moderate drinking can help retirees adjust to leaving work
A study has found that retirees face a higher risk of depression compared to those who continue working, but also that moderate alcohol consumption, such as an occasional glass of wine, might help lift their mood. Tracking 27,500 Americans aged over 50 for an average of 14 years, the study observed participants' lifestyle habits and mood via biennial questionnaires. Retirees reported more symptoms of depression, including feeling sad or finding "everything is an effort," compared to those who were still working or semi-retired. But those who drank in moderation - counted as two drinks or less in a day for men and one or less for women - were less likely to show signs of low mood than teetotallers.
WORKPLACE
What is the future for the corporate HQ?
The FT considers the future for the corporate headquarters as work patterns evolve. Some employers are doubling down on big offices while others move to smaller but better-serviced properties.
LEGAL
US blocks imports from almost 40 more Chinese companies
The outgoing Biden administration has added 37 Chinese companies to its Entity List, under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, blocking their imports over alleged links to forced labour in the Xinjiang region. The latest additions, which include textiles group Huafu Fashion and Donghai JA Solar Technology, take the total Entity List to 144 companies, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. The blocks come amid a broader US crackdown on the import of goods tied to forced labour. China has denied accusations of human-rights abuses and has said the US law interferes in its internal affairs.
Subletting Hong Kong public rental homes to become criminal offence
Sub-letting Hong Kong public housing is to become a criminal offence with a maximum one-year jail term, as the government seeks to address abuse of housing resources. A source quoted by the South China Morning Post stated that “The new arrangement would target all tenants, including anyone assisting in the commercial rental of these flats, including agents.” The proposal is intended as a the deterrent following cases which saw well-off tenants use public rental flats for profit.
INTERNATIONAL
Walmart faces backlash over DEI cuts
Thirteen US state attorneys general and a group of more than 30 shareholders representing $266bn in funds have urged Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon to rethink the company's recent decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a public letter, the officials expressed concern over Walmart's closure of its Center for Racial Equity, the cessation of equity training, the phasing out of supplier diversity programs, and the removal of the terms "diversity" and "DEI" from company documents. The letter highlights the significant implications of these changes on the company's commitment to equity and inclusion. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat, said: “There could be economic pressure from the other side of things which is, quite frankly, the majority of the United States. Women and minorities buy as well, have purchasing power as well." He added: “On the heels of George Floyd’s murder, Walmart had stepped forth and said that we’re making a commitment to the very thing that they’re now abandoning. So I question how genuine that commitment was."
Warning over UK employment bill’s impact on overheard conversations
The UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned of the “complexity” that employers might face when deciding whether an overheard conversation in a workplace could amount to harassment. The government's Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment at work by third parties. The law would cover any workplace, and so could include pubs, offices and other settings where a third party is present, such as a customer, client or patient. The equalities regulator said the legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief “is complex and not well understood by employers,” and observed that it is “arguable that these difficulties may lead to disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression.” The watchdog has urged the government to “undertake further analysis,” and particularly to take into account “any additional complexity that may arise if the third party is expressing a philosophical or religious belief that is protected under the Equality Act 2010.”
Greek call centre workers are on strike
Employees at business outsourcing service company Teleperformance in Greece who provide customer service for major tech firms including Apple, Google, and Netflix are on strike, alleging retaliation against union activities and excessive monitoring. Approximately 12,000 workers are demanding improved working conditions, including permanent contracts, fair wages, job security, and reduced hours. The unrest began in early 2024 due to stagnant wages and increasing productivity pressures. Nikos Spyrelis, a worker and president of the Setep union, said: "We are constantly monitored, recorded, and pressured to increase productivity." Many employees face high living costs, and some report harassment and bullying. Despite the ongoing strikes, Teleperformance has yet to agree to a collective labour contract, leaving workers' concerns unaddressed.
Tragedy strikes in South African mine
In a devastating incident at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, rescue workers have recovered 78 bodies. Many victims reportedly succumbed to starvation and dehydration. The South African government has faced criticism for its harsh measures against illegal miners, which included cutting off food and water supplies. “It is unconscionable that the South African government allowed this situation to deteriorate to such an extent,” said the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU). The illegal mining operations, driven by economic desperation, have become increasingly perilous. Nearly 2,000 miners were reportedly working in the shafts at the peak of activities.
OTHER
China includes smartphones to consumer subsidy scheme
China has introduced a new action plan to provide subsidies for consumers purchasing smartphones and other digital products. Under this initiative, individuals buying devices priced below 6,000 yuan (approximately $834.60) will receive a subsidy of 15% off the sales price, with a maximum of 500 yuan per item. The plan, effective from January 20th, allows one subsidised item per category. The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) emphasised that both domestic and foreign brands will receive equal support. Additionally, the MOC announced an expansion of the subsidy plan for home appliances, increasing eligible categories from eight in 2024 to twelve in 2025. According to MOC data, the trade-in scheme has already boosted sales across various sectors by over 1.3tn yuan in 2024.
 


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