Remote-first workplaces are rising in popularity, and the transition to remote work has been adopted by many companies today.
As the world becomes more and more connected, business operations are no longer confined by borders and the prospect of having a global team is increasingly feasible.
However, when considering hiring offshore employees, it is necessary to consider the various legislations and policies those countries may have that differ from your own.
We’ve done the research, and the individuality of various countries’ labour laws is extensive and honestly, overwhelming.
We’ve collated some of the weirdest employment legislation from around the world that you have to consider when hiring overseas. 😰
1. Belgium
Have you ever wanted to escape for a year but never did in fear of losing your job? In Belgium, this is not the case as the law, ‘career break‘, allows employees to stop or interrupt their employment for a period of time to travel while still getting paid an allowance and a guaranteed job on return.
2. Japan
There is a national law in Japan that permits companies to measure the waistlines of employees aged between 40 and 74 to identify health risks such as diabetes and obesity. If employees are over the recommended size, they are given a diet guide for six months. Governments can legally fine companies if they do not adhere to this law.
Read more: Health apps to stay fit while working from home
3. Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, overtime is strictly regulated and is only permitted with prior authorisation from the Minister for Employment. While in Australia, organisations just have to pay an overtime penalty (based on the industry award) or receive time in lieu – you don’t have to ask a minister for permission!
4. Romania
High importance is placed on the structure of the documents drafted by the employer. Court cases normally include verifying these documents and a percentage of decisions are made from this issue, so ensure these documents are in tip-top condition.
Read more: How a Professional Employer Organisation can help draft documents
5. Portugal
It is illegal to fire an employee in Portugal. Employers can offer incentivised resignation benefits and hope the employee agrees as there is no termination period.
6. Italy
Unlike in Australia, where it is acceptable to terminate an employee for underperformance, in Italy poor performance is not a statutory reason for dismissal.
Read more: How to improve remote employee performance with OKRs
7. Philippines
Are you used to paying your employees for 12 months of the year? In the Philippines, there is a legislation that requires employers to pay a “13th Pay“; a yearly bonus equivalent to the employee’s salary that is noted by the government as a mandatory benefit.
8. China
China has protective legislation that focuses on the biological differences between men and women. This gender bias prevents women from working in “physically challenging” jobs such as mining and logging whilst also placing a burden on employers who hire women.
Read more: How remote work has created a more inclusive workplace
9. Germany
Employees hired by the German Labour Ministry can only work 9-5 with managers being banned from contacting employees outside of these hours. Maybe we should all take inspiration from this to promote work-life balance. 🤔
Read more: Workplace wellness tips for remote employees
10. Australia
Under the Fair Work Act, Australian employees who have worked for the same employer for over 12 months have the right to request flexible working arrangements, such as:
- Changed starting and finishing times
- Part-time work or job sharing
- Working more hours over fewer days
- Working additional hours to make up for the time taken off
- Taking rostered days off in half days or more flexibly
- Time off work instead of overtime payments, or
- Changing the location of work or the need to travel to work (for example, working from home).
Read more: What is a flexible work arrangement?
The wrap up
There are some unique legislations around the world that could cause problems when managing a global workforce. Leave it up to the experts to avoid getting on the wrong side of foreign governments!
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