1. Flexible working standard launched in Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has launched a Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), in a move that reflects increasing demand from employees for greater work-life balance. According to the MoM, employers that offer flexible hours are more likely to attract and retain talent. The new FWA already has more than 250 adopters.
2. Recruitment proving too slow in the UAE
A recent study by Glassdoor has suggested that the recruitment process in the UAE is among the slowest in the world, which could mean organisations are missing out on the best talent. This is despite the country benefitting from a ready supply of skilled candidates and reduced wage pressure among businesses, according to new research by Hays.
3. Hong Kong seeing benefits of ‘brain gain’
Expats who grew up in Hong Kong are returning to explore the opportunities being offered by one of the world’s most powerful economies in a new trend dubbed ‘the great brain gain’. However, many of them are shunning paid employment in favour of striking out on their own, inspired by Hong Kong’s legendary entrepreneurial spirit and lack of red tape.
4. Award-winning employers share tips on how to be the best
A well-crafted employee experience is central to engaging the Middle East’s modern workforce, according to a study by Aon Hewitt. The best employers are “pushing the envelope” through a strategy of continuous listening and the capture of feedback, says Khalid Youssef, senior consultant at Aon Hewitt.
5. Mandatory health insurance ruling in Oman
Private sector workers in Oman will benefit from the right to health insurance paid for by their companies from 2018, in a move that will see the cost swing from the government to employers. However, as businesses will need to find the funds for the mandated insurance, this will in turn affect their overall people costs, points out Steve Clements, health and benefits leader for the Middle East at Willis Towers Watson.