Remote work is boosting economic opportunities in Southeast Asia
Four years after the onset of Covid-19, opportunities for remote or hybrid work remain widespread. As well as providing flexibility for employees, these arrangements also pave the way for workers to ‘cushion’ their financial wellbeing in the face of economic uncertainty. This is because remote or hybrid setups make it easier for people to work […]
Malaysia to introduce progressive wage policy
Malaysia is introducing a progressive wage policy that will raise workers’ wages gradually based on their skill or experience. Employers who participate in the program will receive cash incentives. The policy is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2024. The progressive wage policy is a government initiative to help narrow the income […]
Singapore to provide more support for ageing workforce
The majority of Singaporeans aged 50 and above support raising the re-employment and retirement ages, according to a survey on workplace support. The survey, conducted by the PAP Seniors Group and National Trades Union Congress U Women and Family, gathered the views of 1,471 working individuals aged 50 and over. Among the respondents, 87.9% supported […]
Enhancing Employee Engagement: 5 HR Approaches for Southeast Asian Workforces
Employee engagement is a vital factor in the success of any organization. In the dynamic and diverse workplaces of Southeast Asia, where cultures, languages, and traditions converge, HR departments face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering engagement among their teams. This article explores five HR approaches tailored to enhance employee engagement in Southeast Asian workforces. […]
Singapore to raise wages and hire more workers, survey
Singapore companies are planning to raise wages and hire more workers in the next 12 months, despite a lack of optimism about economic prospects. This is according to a survey by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), which found that 67% of respondents plan to increase wages, with an average rise of 6%. The survey also […]
Singapore banks enhance employee parental leaves
HSBC Singapore and Deutsche Bank announced increasing the parental leave benefits of their employees to advocate for employees’ mental health and work-life balance. HSBC Singapore has increased its parental leave policies, extending maternity leave to 26 weeks and paternity leave to eight weeks, effective 1 September 2023. According to Mukul Anand, Head of HR, HSBC […]
Skilled workers and low wages draw businesses to Southeast Asia
A recent survey by HSBC Commercial Banking found that international businesses operating in Southeast Asia are increasingly confident about their prospects for continued growth in the region. The survey also found that a skilled workforce and competitive wage prices are the most attractive market features for business expansion. The survey, which covered more than 3,500 […]
Employers offer more benefits to attract and keep top talent
Employers in the Philippines are increasingly offering more competitive benefits packages in order to attract and retain top talent, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson (WTW). The survey, which polled 5,233 employers in the Philippines, found that 80% of respondents view competition for talent as the main factor in determining the benefits […]
HR Ecosystem Awards: Leave and attendance management
Managing leave and attendance is a two-pronged function in leading personnel: on one hand, HR tracks employees’ productivity and time worked; on the other hand, HR is most aware of their time off for a variety of reasons. With the plethora of complexities in leave policies and types of leave, shift work and scheduling, carryover, […]
Businesses in Malaysia optimistic about Q3, will retain employees
A majority of businesses in Malaysia anticipate retaining their employees in Q3 2023, according to a report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The report also found that businesses are optimistic about the overall business situation in the quarter, with a confidence indicator of 0.7%. The positive business sentiment is being driven by the […]
