Workplace/Employee Benefits

“We may propose things like 14 per cent contribution by employers to be made tax free to all. Currently, it is given only to the central government employers.So we are requesting the government to give it to all the employers, whether it is state governments or other corporate entities, so that subscribers across the board can get this benefit,” Supratim Bandyopadhyay, chairman, PFRDA said

Labour Ministry seeks feedback on draft rules under Code on Social Security

Nov 15, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Indian News, Pension & Social Security, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The draft rules provide for operationalization of provisions in the Code on Social Security, 2020 relating to Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), gratuity, maternity benefit, social security and cess in respect of building and other construction workers, social security for unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers.

The draft rules also provide for Aadhaar-based registration including self-registration by unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers on the portal of the Central government, the statement said.

Parents say employers are illegally firing them during Pandemic

Nov 13, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Health, International News, Non-Life, Pandemic, Reinsurance, Risk Management, Workplace/Employee Benefits

Parents who’ve lost their jobs during the pandemic are driving a surge of litigation, alleging their employers discriminated against them for taking care of their kids when schools closed. Since March, working parents have filed at least 40 lawsuits...

U.S. court upholds Harvard race-based admissions

Nov 13, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, International News, Workplace/Employee Benefits

U.S. Circuit Judge Sandra Lynch, however, said Harvard’s use of race was not “impermissibly extensive” and was instead “meaningful,” because it prevented diversity from plummeting.

“Harvard’s race-conscious admissions program ensures that Harvard can retain the benefits of diversity it has already achieved,” she said.

WeWork losses mount but ‘seismic shift’ in office use seen helping recovery

Nov 13, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Health, Non-Life, Pandemic, Risk Management, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The pandemic has accelerated a “seismic shift” in the office sector that has put flexibility – an industry byword for the short-term leases the company embraces – and WeWork at the forefront, the memo signed by Chief Executive Sandeep Mathrani and Chief Financial Officer Ben Dunham said.

“This is our moment, and I know that together, we will continue to define the future of work,” they said.

After easing of WFH rules, India Inc continues to innovate ahead

Nov 10, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Technology, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The pandemic has been the biggest disruptor of this century and this move by the government can be a gamechanger for the IT and BPO industry, positioning India as a global outsourcing hub leading to job creation beyond the metros.

The changes will enable companies to attract talent from anywhere, reduce costs of operations while also accelerate development and use of new human resources, marketing, sales, business development and other practices to ensure high productivity.

UAE relaxes Islamic laws, allows cohabitation of unmarried couples

Nov 7, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Workplace/Employee Benefits

Another amendment allows for cohabitation of unmarried couples, which has long been a crime in the UAE.

Authorities, especially in the more free-wheeling financial hub of Dubai, tend to look the other way when it comes to foreigners, but the threat of punishment still lingered for such behavior.

Saudi Arabia to remove curbs on foreign workers to attract overseas talent

Nov 4, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The new rules will come into effect on March 14 and apply to all foreign workers in the private sector, regardless of salary, he said.

Microsoft Teams platform reaches 115mn daily active users: Nadella

Nov 1, 2020 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Pandemic, Technology, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The video collaboration platform has added over 100 new capabilities in the last six months, including breakout rooms, meeting recaps, shift scheduling, and large scale digital events up to 20,000 participants, to help people transcend both time and distance.

“We are adding reimagined workspaces in Teams for every collaborator, remote, in-person, or on the go, and we’re accelerating our innovation for both first-line and knowledge workers,” Nadella stressed.

New insights in Teams provide personalised recommended actions, making it easier for employees to create healthy work habits and for leaders to build high-performing teams.