This month’s Global Talent Update covers the problem of bullying in the workplace; Nato’s plans to open a liaison office in Japan; and the benefits and challenges Central America poses as a destination for business expanding their operations.
EMEA
Employers must try to protect staff from bullying in the workplace, but sometimes it is hard to know what to do about the problem, says BBC News. The UK government defines workplace bullying as “behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended,” but there is no legal definition of bullying, and the human resources professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) says there is no single piece of legislation that covers it.
The CIPD says that it’s only by challenging unfair treatment that it can be properly dealt with, but people may not report bullying because they think it could harm their careers. So organisations must have clear procedures for dealing with bullying, and act fairly and quickly to resolve complaints.
If the complaint turns out to be well-founded, the problem needs to be addressed — usually through training, coaching or disciplinary sanctions. Bullying is a high-risk issue and can lead employees who have been consistently poorly treated to resign or even sue for unfair constructive dismissal or harassment.
Read more at What counts as workplace bullying? | BBC News.
ASIA PACIFIC
Nato is reportedly planning to open a liaison office in Japan to coordinate with close partners across the Indo-Pacific region including Australia, South Korea and New Zealand. The plans are likely to attract criticism from the Chinese government, which has previously warned the western alliance against extending “its tentacles to the Asia-Pacific.”
Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday that Nato and Japan plan to upgrade their cooperation on tackling cyber threats, disinformation and emerging and disruptive technologies. Nato’s planned new liaison office in Tokyo — to open next year — will be the first of its kind in Asia and will allow the military alliance to conduct periodic consultations with Japan and key partners such as Australia, according to Nikkei Asia.
In its “strategic concept,” unveiled last year, Nato argued that China posed “systemic challenges” to Euro-Atlantic security even though Russia remained “the most significant and direct threat to allies’ security.” Nato vowed to “strengthen dialogue and cooperation with new and existing partners in the Indo-Pacific to tackle cross-regional challenges and shared security interests.”
Read more at Nato planning to open Japan office to deepen Asia-Pacific ties | The Guardian.
THE AMERICAS
Central America is an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations. The region’s seven countries offer both fast-growing economies and a highly-skilled workforce. Like any new venture, though, there are benefits and challenges to consider when hiring in Central America.
The benefits of hiring employees in Central America include cost savings since the cost of living and salaries are lower, and it has a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. Its location near the U.S. makes it ideal for companies expanding into Latin America, and the governments of Central America offer active support for foreign investments such as tax breaks, subsidies and streamlined processes for companies setting up businesses.
The challenges revolve around issues such as compliance with local labor laws, which can be complex, and adapting to local custom and traditions, which is critical for building relationships with employees and customers. Although many employees are fluent in English, language barriers can still exist, and Central America’s infrastructure can be challenging, particularly in more remote areas, which can impact the supply chain and logistics.
Read more at Hiring Employees in Central America | CentralAmerica.com.