The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
17th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Indonesian factories strike deal to end harassment
Workers at two Indonesian factories producing goods for Fanatics and Nike have secured a significant agreement aimed at combating sexual violence in the workplace. The Central Java Agreement for Gender Justice prohibits harassment and violence, with penalties for violations potentially including loss of business from major brands. Chris Fox, chief sustainability officer of Fanatics Commerce, said: “The comprehensive program created by this agreement is creating a safer and more secure workplace for all workers at these factories.” The deal, negotiated with the support of the Worker Rights Consortium and various labour organisations, is seen as setting a precedent for improving conditions in the garment industry globally.
WORKFORCE
Japan's wage hike hits 34-year high
Japanese companies are set to increase wages by 5.46% this year, marking the highest pay hike in 34 years, according to Rengo, the country's largest union umbrella group with 7m members. The increase reflects a consensus among policymakers, employers, and unions that higher wages are essential for workers facing rising costs of living. Rengo's member unions aimed for an average hike of 6.09%, the first request over 6% in 32 years. Despite the substantial wage growth, economists remain cautious about its impact on consumer spending due to ongoing inflation, which reached 4.0% in January, the highest in two years.
Australian government backs workers after cyclone
The Australian government has announced financial support for workers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has caused significant flooding and damage across Queensland and New South Wales. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that workers whose income falls below the average weekly wage can apply for up to 13 weeks of assistance. “We've got your back. That's my message to the community,” he said during a press conference in Lismore. The support will align with the JobSeeker scheme, currently set at A$693.10 per fortnight. Over 230,000 households are still facing power outages, and the Bureau of Meteorology warns of ongoing flooding risks. Insurers have received nearly 3,000 claims, with expectations of many more as residents assess the damage.
HIRING
Tech jobs surge amid layoffs in Singapore
In Singapore, the demand for tech jobs in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity is on the rise, with over 1,000 vacancies available at companies including Huawei and Amazon Web Services. Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, said: “The sector remains poised for growth and will continue to deliver good jobs for Singaporeans.” The Tech Skill-Up Festival, aimed at graduates and mid-career switchers, showcases this trend, with a focus on hiring based on skills rather than qualifications. The tech sector's share of total employment has increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 5.3% in 2024, with non-tech industries also seeking tech talent. 
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Revolutionising employee benefits in India
India's workforce is rapidly evolving, prompting organisations to rethink employee benefits to cater to diverse needs and attract top talent. Companies are increasingly offering flexible health insurance, mental health support, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to the 'The Future of Benefits 2024' report by Mercer Marsh Benefits, there has been a 300% increase in flexible health insurance plans over the past five years. Employees are seeking more autonomy in selecting benefits, leading to a rise in customisable insurance and wellness programmes. Prawal Kalita, managing director of Mercer Marsh Benefits India, said: “Employee benefits are no longer just about healthcare coverage. They are evolving into holistic well-being solutions.” The report highlights a significant increase in employer-sponsored parental insurance, rising from 35% in 2019 to 53% in 2024, underscoring its importance for employee retention and well-being.
STRATEGY
Citigroup plans to slash IT contractors
Citigroup has plans to dramatically reduce its reliance on information technology contractors. Tim Ryan, the bank’s head of technology, told staff recently that the bank aims to cut back external contractors to 20% of those working in IT from the current 50%. Citi will put more IT staff on the payroll as the lender looks to improve controls following a series of compliance failures attributed to external contractors.
CORPORATE
Shein remains determined to float
Shein executive chair Donald Tang has discussed the Chinese-founded and Singapore-based fast-fashion firm's potential IPO in an interview with the Times. Campaigners claim Shein is "renowned for exploiting workers, damaging the environment and avoiding tax", allegations Mr Tang rejects, adding that the company complies "with the laws and regulations of each country". He refused to confirm London as the favoured destination for a listing, but said: "London has super-high, very respectable regulatory standards".
LEGAL
Apple faces discrimination allegations
Khaled Dibb, a former Apple employee in Australia, has accused the tech giant of racial discrimination after being ordered to remove pro-Palestinian jewellery, which Apple claimed made others feel "unsafe." Dibb, who worked at the Chadstone store in Melbourne, reported months of bullying and harassment, including being filmed and spat at. He alleged that Apple failed to protect him from this harassment and did not discipline other employees for wearing political items. Apple denied Dibb's allegations, asserting that displaying political messages could escalate tensions among staff and customers. Dibb's lawyer, Isabelle Skaburskis, emphasised that his jewellery was a personal expression of identity, not an attack on others. The case is set to be defended by Apple at a Melbourne tribunal.
ECONOMY
Thailand's consumer confidence takes a hit
Thailand's consumer confidence has declined for the first time in five months, dropping to 57.8 in February from 59.0 in January, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. University president Thanavath Phonvichai remarked: "This is a worrying signal . . . the (economy) is quiet, despite government measures". The decline has been attributed to uncertainties surrounding US trade policies, rising living costs, and a sluggish domestic economy. Thailand's economy expanded by only 2.5% last year, lagging regional peers, and prompting the central bank to cut the key interest rate to 2.00%. The bank anticipates growth to be slightly above 2.5% this year, down from a previous estimate of 2.9%.
INTERNATIONAL
Judge orders reinstatement of fired US federal workers
The Trump administration has been ordered to reinstate thousands of probationary workers who were terminated in mass firings across various federal agencies. U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco said that the terminations were executed by a personnel office lacking the authority to do so. Alsup said: “It is sad, a sad day, when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that's a lie.” The ruling follows a lawsuit from a coalition of labour unions and organisations amid widespread concerns over the administration's approach to downsizing the federal workforce. The judge has mandated that the affected agencies report back within seven days with a list of the terminated employees and compliance details. Approximately 200,000 probationary workers are employed across federal agencies.
Philips job cuts in the Netherlands exceed expectations
Philips has announced a total of 2,600 job losses in the Netherlands, exceeding an initial estimate of 1,900. The company, which had 11,000 employees in the country in 2023, is undergoing a significant restructuring as part of a broader cost-saving initiative, including a €460m spending reduction. FNV trade union official Patrick Meerts expressed his concern, saying: “We see no investment here, only job cuts and the sale of business units.” Despite Philips having previously said that the Netherlands remains central to its operations, the job losses are attributed to a shift towards decentralisation. Over the past two years, 2,336 jobs have been cut, including 400 in Drachten due to production relocation.
 


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