The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
9th April 2024
Together with

THE HOT STORY
Hong Kong retail and travel workers face pay gap and brain drain
Industry representatives in Hong Kong are calling for strategies to support retailers and prevent a brain drain caused by poor pay rises. The retail and travel sectors have fallen behind other industries in terms of wage increases, which could impact service quality and hinder the city's recovery as a top tourist destination. The Hong Kong Department Store and Commercial Staff General Union warns that the persistent pay gap may lead to a loss of experienced workers and declining service quality. A study shows that retail workers received a total pay rise of 0.71% between 2019 and 2023, while travel sector staff saw a 1.31% increase. The retail sector is struggling to recover from the pandemic, and experts warn that the wage squeeze could create a vicious circle, affecting employers' ability to offer attractive packages. Authorities are urged to develop strategies to support retailers and prevent further damage to the industries.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Switching background screening partners: how to make the change, seamlessly

If you’re a business that screens its workforce, you’ll know that the relationship with your provider doesn’t stop at the checks. Partnering with a background check specialist is multi-faceted, taking onboard open communication, speed, stringent data security, and a whole lot of trust.

But what happens when that relationship falters?

Moving to a new provider can be fraught with difficulty. However, with some planning, and a clear idea of your objectives, the transition can be more straightforward than you think.

Download this essential step-by-step guide to seamlessly switching background screening partners.

 
WORKPLACE
Google makes changes to internal message board amid employee discord
Google is reportedly making changes to its popular internal message board, Memegen, due to increased fighting among employees over the war in Gaza. The changes include the removal of the thumbs-down button and metrics that show the popularity of employees' memes. Google executives made the changes based on employee feedback that said thumbs-down votes made workers feel bad and the metrics made the message board too competitive. The changes were implemented to address the perceived increase in negativity and bickering on the platform. Despite the changes, employees will still be able to post and comment on Memegen, but attacking individuals or using abusive language will be against the rules. Some employees are concerned that the changes will stifle free speech and turn Memegen into an uninteresting corporate message board.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Japan's high allergy rate linked to cedars, not cherry trees
Japan is currently experiencing a high allergy rate, with the number of Japanese suffering from hay fever on the increase. The resulting economic losses are estimated to be about ¥234 billion ($1.5bn) every day. While cherry trees get all the attention, cedar is actually the main source of pollen. The Japanese government has plans to cut down 20% of the nation's cedar forests and replant trees that produce less allergens. Some companies are implementing creative solutions, such as remote work programs during the pollen season. Experts suggest that both companies and the government can do more to address the issue. "Each company's efforts against allergies are not yet perfect," observes Kimihiro Okubo, a professor at Nippon Medical School. "The government should also promote research and development, and provide subsidies for this purpose."
CORPORATE
Uber rival Ola to discontinue operations in Australia
Indian ride-sharing company Ola is discontinuing its operations in Australia after more than six years. The closure follows similar announcements for grocery and food delivery services. Ola, which had more than 1.5 million users and employed over 50 staff in Australia and New Zealand, will close its app on April 12. The company's New Zealand operations will also shut down. The Transport Workers Union plans to seek an urgent meeting with Ola to discuss protections for gig workers. Ola failed to pose a significant threat to market leader Uber in Australia, with only 20% of Australians using Ola compared to 93% using Uber.
HIRING
Demand for construction workers rises in Indian city ahead of elections
With the upcoming elections, demand for construction workers in Greater Visakhapatnam, the largest city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, has increased as political parties rely on them for their campaign activities. Many labourers who were struggling to find work are now getting employment opportunities thanks to political rallies and meetings. The city, home to a large number of migrant construction workers, is seeing these workers engaging in various political events. Political parties are offering incentives such as money and free lunch to labourers for their participation in campaign activities. The arrangement allows the workers to continue working for the duration of the 40-day election period.
TECHNOLOGY
‘Hallucinating’ AI could cause social order collapse, tech firm says
Artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the collapse of the social order and trigger wars, according to Japanese tech firm NTT and publisher Yomiuri Shimbun. They warn that inaccurate and biased AI tools could damage trust in society and cause social unrest. The companies are calling for rigid restrictions on AI programmes and legislation to protect Japan's national security. NTT and Yomiuri Shimbun have highlighted the issue of AI chatbots "hallucinating" and spreading misinformation, stating that they often "lie with confidence." The warning follows the EU's crackdown on AI companies and the establishment of research institutes by the US, UK, and Japan to monitor AI risks.
LEGAL
Transgender woman sues app over gender discrimination
Roxanne Tickle, an Australian transgender woman, is suing the women-only social media platform Giggle for Girls after being blocked from using the app. Tickle claims she was unlawfully barred from using Giggle in September 2021 after the firm and its CEO, Sall Grover, said she was a man. The case, which is the first time alleged gender discrimination has been heard by the federal court, will test the meaning and scope of the Sex Discrimination Act. Tickle's barrister, Georgina Costello KC, argued that Tickle is a woman, while Giggle's barrister, Bridie Nolan, said the focus should be on biological sex. The app, intended as an "online refuge" for women, required users to upload a selfie verified as female. Tickle claimed her membership was later revoked despite being identified as female by the gender detection software. The trial is scheduled to run for four days.
WORKFORCE
FamilyMart and Lawson to start joint delivery amid driver shortage
FamilyMart and Lawson will this week begin a delivery partnership that will see them use the same trucks to drop off frozen food products in some areas of Tohoku, in the north of Japan. Beginning Thursday, FamilyMart trucks will depart from the chain's distribution facility in Tagajo carrying the company's frozen food products. They will later be loaded with Lawson products at the rival's distribution hub in Morioka. The trucks will then make their way to the companies' respective logistics hubs. A driver shortage in the country is becoming more acute due to stricter regulations on truck drivers' overtime hours that recently took effect. 
REGULATION
US regulator seeks details from tech firms on intermediaries
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating publicly traded tech companies about possible corruption. The regulator is requesting information from these firms regarding their relationships with distributors and other business partners outside the US. The agency is focusing on distributors across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The SEC's inquiries are part of its enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which criminalises offering anything of value to non-US officials to win business. The companies that have received the inquiries have not been accused of wrongdoing, and the investigation is in its early stages. The SEC's Fort Worth office, known for its involvement in high-profile corruption investigations, is leading the probe. The tech sector is particularly vulnerable to scrutiny due to its reliance on local distributors and partners worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL
UK act guarantees five days leave for unpaid carers
The UK's Carers Leave Act, which started on 6 April, enables unpaid carers to ask for up to five days leave from their employer – and also protects them from dismissal for taking the leave. The Act means employees can take unpaid leave in full or half days, or in a whole block of five days. They must give advance notice that is twice the length of time that needs to be taken. The leave can be used to take care of someone who has a disability, needs care because of old age, or has a long term illness of more than three months. Emily Holzhausen, the director of policy at Carers UK, said: "For the first time employers will have to think about unpaid carers in their work force . . . This is incredibly important because 600 people a day give up work because they’re unable to juggle work and care, so it's going to help people to manage their caring lives as well as stay in work." Employment law expert Kate Palmer does however warn that a lack of knowledge around the new law could cause issues for some employers. She says: "I can honestly say I’ve spoken to many SMEs [small and midsize enterprises] of late who have no idea this is coming in. More awareness is needed, because carers have this right and its important they know about it. But also if employers don’t know about it they could absolutely be taken off guard by it and it may create risk for their businesses."
Turkish company adopts four-day work week without salary changes
Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii, a Turkish acrylic fibre producer, has become the first company in Turkey to permanently implement a four-day work week without changing employees' salaries or benefits. The shorter work week was tested as a means to improve operational efficiency and work-life balance. The CEO of Aksa Akrilik stated that the four-day work week received strong support from employees and fostered increased collaboration and team spirit. The participation rate in the practice reached 94%. The company's trial has been successful, with employee engagement, productivity, motivation, and work-life balance all improving by over 85%. Job applications have also significantly increased. Despite challenges during implementation, Aksa Akrilik has set a new standard for the work week in Turkey. Other companies around the world have also been experimenting with shorter work weeks in recent years.
Greece introduces new work visas for non-EU nationals
Greece is introducing two new types of work visas for non-EU nationals in a bid to attract talent and upgrade the country as an academic, research, and investment hub. The TalentVisa and TechVisa will allow graduates from countries outside the European Union, skilled workers, and high-ranking business executives to work in Greece through legal and controlled immigration. The Greek Tech Visa for Outstanding Talent is a simplified and rapid program for employees, investors, and founders of businesses and start-ups outside the EU to obtain a residence permit in Greece. The Talent Visa is a new one-year visa for talented graduates of prestigious universities abroad and can be issued without first obtaining a firm job offer.
Production in Russia hindered by worker shortage, says central bank chief
Production in Russia is being restrained by the shortage of workers, not by a lack of finances, according to Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank. Despite the worker shortage, she says the Russian economy continues to demonstrate impressive growth rates. Nabiullina made these remarks while addressing lawmakers in the State Duma.
 


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 TwitterFollow us on Linkedin

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

Click here to unsubscribe