The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
21st May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Qantas apology deemed 'wholly hollow'
Qantas' apology for the dismissal of 1,820 ground crew members has been described as "wholly hollow" during a Federal Court hearing in Sydney. Justice Michael Lee is deliberating on penalties following the largest illegal sackings in Australian history. Last October, Qantas was ordered to pay A$120m in compensation for the economic loss and suffering caused by outsourcing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Transport Workers Union is pushing for a maximum penalty of A$121m to be paid to them, highlighting Qantas' persistent denial of wrongdoing. Noel Hutley SC described the company's contrition as "wholly hollow," emphasising Qantas' failure to acknowledge necessary changes to prevent future incidents. Qantas chief people officer Catherine Walsh expressed hope that the compensation would help the affected workforce, while former employee Damien Pollard noted the stress endured by workers throughout the lengthy legal battle.
WORKFORCE
Australian employers embrace right to disconnect
According to the Australian HR Institute's new outlook report, over 60% of employers have reported that the right to disconnect laws, implemented last August, have enhanced productivity and reduced employee stress. The survey, which included over 600 senior business decision-makers, revealed that 39% of employers noted improved work-life balance among staff, with only 3% observing negative changes. Sarah McCann-Bartlett, chief executive of AHRI, said: “It’s not necessarily surprising that actually if they’ve been implemented well... employees have actually seen a positive outcome.” Additionally, 64% of employers plan to hire in the upcoming June quarter, with wage growth expectations rising to 3.3% over the next year. Despite a slight easing in the labour market, challenges in attracting and retaining employees persist.
Union tactics raise concerns for Australian youth
Concerns have emerged regarding the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association's (SDA) recruitment tactics, particularly towards young Australian workers. Families have described these methods as "predatory," with instances of teenagers feeling pressured to join the union on their first day of work. The SDA's national secretary, Gerard Dwyer, claimed that the union has measures to protect young workers, including a cooling-off period for membership. However, many parents argue that the approach is inappropriate for first-time workers. Critics have accused the SDA of prioritising recruitment over the welfare of its members, raising questions about its relationship with employers. Andrew Stewart, a professor at Queensland University of Technology, noted a shift in the SDA's strategy, indicating a willingness to advocate for better agreements.
Samsung India resolves wage dispute
Samsung India has successfully concluded a wage revision and welfare agreement with employees at its Chennai plant, affiliated with the CITU union, ending a year-long dispute. The agreement, reached after 31 rounds of negotiations, includes a cumulative wage increase of Rs 18,000 over three years, with Rs 9,000 in 2025-26 and Rs 4,500 in both FY27 and FY28. Additionally, it covers various welfare activities such as food, insurance, and transportation. While the agreement does not address the suspension of certain employees, Samsung is conducting an internal investigation. Industries minister T R B Raaja expressed satisfaction, commenting: "Happy to announce that after sustained dialogue... all differences... have been settled amicably."
Healthcare workers on the brink of regularisation
In a significant move for contractual healthcare workers in Maharashtra, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced plans for their regularisation into government service. This decision aims to provide much-needed job security for those who have served under the National Health Mission (NHM) for years on temporary contracts. Abitkar instructed officials to prepare a proposal for absorbing eligible NHM staff and suggested changes to recruitment rules to maximise inclusion. Additionally, he proposed increasing the honorarium for NHM employees and expediting a resolution for staff under the Prime Minister's Matru Vandana Yojana. If implemented, these reforms could benefit thousands of workers, particularly in rural and tribal areas, who have faced salary delays. Following this announcement, the NHM staff union leaders expressed optimism for timely salaries and permanent job resolutions.
Retired teachers face student backlash
The Assam government's decision to employ retired teachers in government model colleges has sparked significant opposition from student organisations, including the Gauhati University Research Scholars' Association (GURSA) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI). The education department's guidelines state that 50% of teaching positions will be filled by retired faculty, which GURSA argues limits opportunities for qualified young candidates. "This system of appointing retired teachers is harmful for young candidates who fulfilled the UGC norms for appointment as college teachers," GURSA stated. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu defended the policy, asserting that it aims to address operational challenges in newly established colleges. 
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Breaking barriers for India's disabled leaders
Despite discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, persons with disabilities (PwDs) remain largely absent from leadership roles in India Inc. Over 26m citizens are sidelined, highlighting a systemic failure rather than a talent shortage. A 2023 report by EY and the Valuable 500 revealed that while 7% of global C-suite leaders identify as disabled, 80% have never disclosed their disability at work due to stigma. In India, PwD representation in leadership is below 1%. To address this, companies must implement mandatory accountability, inclusive education, and anti-discrimination reforms in hiring. The article emphasises the need for systemic change, stating: "It's time to stop asking where the disabled leaders are—and start building the systems that ensure they rise." The path forward requires intentional investment in accessible education and disruption of hiring biases to create a truly inclusive corporate environment.
HIRING
Digital hiring scams on the rise
Recent findings reveal a troubling increase in job scams in Singapore, with 35% of jobseekers reporting encounters with fraudsters in the past year. Kenji Naito, group chief executive of Reeracoen Group, said "This is no longer just a tech problem; it's a human one," emphasising the need for verified interactions in the hiring process. The report highlights that scam cases surged by 46.8% in 2023, costing victims over S$20m. Jobseekers are losing trust in recruitment platforms, with 40% expressing concerns about scam risks. To combat this, respondents called for stricter screening of job postings and verified employer accounts. The report advocates for collaboration among employers, platforms, and regulators to enhance digital hiring integrity.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI adoption surges in Singapore
In Singapore, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased, with enterprise usage rising from 34% in 2022 to 46% in 2023. Senior minister of state for digital development and information Tan Kiat How highlighted this trend during the inaugural Design AI and Tech Awards, stating: “It's not about our technology, it's our people and talent.” The awards recognised companies leveraging AI and design to solve business challenges, with winners including LionsBot, MetaOptics Technologies, and Sengkang General Hospital. The government is encouraging SMEs to utilise various initiatives, such as the Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service and the SME Go Digital programme, to enhance their operations. Additionally, there is a push to increase enrolment in information and digital technology courses, with over 8,000 students participating last year.
REMUNERATION
Software engineers: a warning from Vembu
Zoho chief executive Sridhar Vembu has issued a cautionary message to software engineers regarding their salaries, stating that they should not be taken for granted. In a post on X, he remarked: “The fact that software engineers get paid better than mechanical engineers or civil engineers... is not some birthright.” Vembu emphasised the impending “productivity revolution” in software development, driven by advancements like large language models (LLMs) and new tooling, which could significantly impact job availability in the sector. He warned that complacency could lead to disruption, quoting Andy Grove of Intel: “Only the paranoid survive.” The post has ignited discussions online, with users expressing concerns about the future of software jobs and the need for innovation in India to avoid becoming “digitally unemployed.”
HEALTH & SAFETY
Heatstroke: the silent workplace killer
As India faces soaring temperatures, Dr. Vikram Vora of International SOS warns about the long-term effects of heatstroke on both physical and mental health in the workplace. While heatstroke is often treated as a medical emergency, its aftermath can lead to chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Dr Vora stressed that "heatstroke is not a single-point event," highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to support affected workers. Recommendations include post-recovery assessments, mental health services, and improved workplace environments to mitigate these hidden impacts. As temperatures rise, addressing heat-related illnesses is crucial for maintaining worker dignity and productivity.
SUSTAINABILITY
Carbon trading: the new frontier
The carbon services and trading sector in Singapore is rapidly expanding, creating diverse opportunities for professionals across various fields. With over 150 firms now operating in this space, the sector is projected to contribute up to $5.6bn in gross value-add, as highlighted by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore. The sector is attracting talent from finance, tech, and policy backgrounds, as professionals seek meaningful careers that contribute to sustainability. Initiatives like the Carbon Market Academy and the Skills Framework for Carbon Services and Trading are aiding those looking to enter this burgeoning field.
INTERNATIONAL
Billionaire executives: the new trend
In 2025, Forbes identified a record 48 hired-hand billionaires, a significant increase from 29 the previous year. This rise is attributed to soaring share prices and lucrative executive pay packages. The average annual compensation for the top ten U.S. Chief executives surged from $46m in 2010 to $330m in 2021, with equity components of pay growing from 54% in 2012 to 66% in 2023. Notably, Steve Ballmer and Eric Schmidt remain the wealthiest hired hands. The number of hired-hand billionaires now represents 5% of America's billionaires, up from 4% in February 2024. Newcomers include Sundar Pichai and Gwynne Shotwell, while Lisa Su dropped off the list due to a decline in her company's stock. The trend indicates that non-founder billionaires are becoming more common, with the stock market's growth significantly benefiting these executives.
 


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