Enhanced maternity benefits, coupled with the tough economic times, are prompting companies to fire pregnant employees or deny them their full entitlements. However, there are win-win alternatives that can benefit both the firm and the employee.

By Becky Lo

Recent figures from the Ministry of Manpower show that there was a spike in number of complaints regarding unfair dismissals in recent years – especially for pregnancy-related issues. The authorities have received 56 such complaints last year, up from 26 cases in 2008 and 16 in 2007.

The employers’ dilemma
Many factors may have led to this, including the implementation of new regulations that have substantially improved maternity benefits. For example, since 2008, paid maternity leave has been extended from 12 to 16 weeks. Also, the 180-day qualifying period for new employees to enjoy maternity benefits has been halved to just 90 days.

‘Generation gap' and ‘communication breakdown' are terms more often used in a social context: but when it comes to work, the problem can take a professional turn for the worse.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Perpetuating a sundry mix of staff across ages at your workplace can bring a whole lot more than generational vibrancy. What can also be at stake is work productivity, and according to the latest Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI), 76% of the 3,000 local respondents find that generational differences often affect workplace operations.

It is politically accurate to suggest that an open and lively culture can be encouraged through a fusion of old and young: the fresh-faces bring novel ideas into the workplace, while the veterans uphold industry tradition and impart astuteness. With the right staff and the right balance, all would be well, or at least seemingly so.