Article: Global Weekly Updates: What’s happening around the world?

Strategic HR

By Anjum KhanJan, 10 2025 @5:36pm IST

What’s happening in the world of work? Here’s your bitesize info from around the world, covering everything from technology and AI to HR trends, layoff news, and insightful pieces from global leaders.

The newsmakers...

Elon Musk recently shared concerns that AI companies have reached the limit of human-generated data available for training advanced models. During a webcast, Musk explained that AI now relies on synthetic data—content created by AI itself—to refine and improve models. This sends concerns across the tech world about challenges like the risk of AI "hallucinations" where the system generates incorrect or misleading outputs. Industry experts warned about over-reliance on synthetic data, which could lead to diminished returns and biases in AI development.

In India, the debate over work-life balance has sparked once again after L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested a 90-hour work week and even expressed regret for not having employees work on Sundays. What’s more shocking was his comment, "How long can you stare at your wife?" which garnered widespread criticism for its misogynistic tone. As the backlash continues, senior HR leader Aadesh Goyal calling it senseless, Prabir Jha labeling it tactless and Harsh Goenka terming it as a recipe for burnout. Here’s how industry leaders reacted to his distasteful remarks.

In another big news, Apple Inc. is facing a major fraud scandal involving around 185 employees, centered on Apple’s Matching Grants Program, where employees allegedly inflated their charitable donations to receive both their own contributions and matching funds from Apple. The scheme, which ran for three years, resulted in US $152,000 in fraudulent claims. So far, six employees have been charged and warrants issued for their arrest. The case has raised concerns about the lack of oversight in corporate philanthropy programs, highlighting the potential for abuse without proper safeguards. Find out more here.

Big Tech updates..

Google DeepMind is making a bold move by shifting focus to "world models"—advanced AI frameworks that simulate real or virtual environments. Unlike generative AI, which creates new content, world models help AI systems predict and understand complex environments, vital for fields like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and gaming. This new initiative, led by Tim Brooks, aims to scale AI systems for real-time simulations and interactive entertainment. And their recent model, Genie 2, transforms text and images into 3D environments that react to user input, paving the way for more realistic AI interactions. Find out more on this exciting development here.

Nvidia is making waves with its recently launched next-gen RTX 50-series graphics cards, including the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070. The flagship RTX 5090, priced at US $1,999, promises a massive performance boost with 32GB of GDDR7 memory and 21,760 CUDA cores, running games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 238 fps—more than double the performance of its predecessor. The RTX 50-series also introduces DLSS 4, improving frame rates and image quality using AI. Find out more on how these GPUs bring cutting-edge power for gamers and creators.

Meta’s recent decision to end its fact-checking partnerships in the U.S., has caused significant concern among journalism organisations that have relied on the funding since 2016. The program, which aimed to combat misinformation on Facebook and Instagram, has allocated over US $100 million to fact-checking groups, including major outlets like USA Today and Reuters. And now with the loss of this support, these media outlets are facing revenue losses and potential layoffs.

Microsoft is planning another round of layoffs, targeting underperforming employees, according to a latest report. While the exact number of employees to be laid off is unknown, a company spokesperson confirmed the news. The cuts may not significantly alter the overall workforce size, as many roles may have already been backfilled. These layoffs come amidst broader cost-cutting efforts in the tech sector due to economic challenges. However, Microsoft’s huge AI investments could drive growth and offset some of the impact of the layoffs.

Labour friendly laws…

Earlier this week, Singapore passed the Workplace Fairness Bill, officially making it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job seekers based on factors such as age, nationality, sex, race, religion, language, disability, and mental health. This move follows years of tracking discrimination complaints and the formation of a committee to tackle workplace fairness. And the bill aims to address ongoing issues, such as age and sex discrimination, and protect vulnerable groups like pregnant employees. While fair employment practices have been emphasised for years, this new legislation formalises protections for workers, aligning Singapore with neighbouring countries that have long had similar anti-discrimination laws.

In another move to support government workers, the Philippines has introduced an annual medical allowance of 7,000 pesos (around US$120) to help with purchasing health insurance. The benefit, available starting 2025, aims to enhance public sector workers' access to healthcare. The allowance covers a wide range of employees, including those in national agencies, local governments, and state colleges, though some workers like military personnel and consultants are excluded. It can be used for health insurance or converted to cash for medical expenses.

Global reports…

More from Singapore – In 2025 the nation’s labour market shows resilience, especially in higher-skilled sectors. Recent reports reveal that job vacancies have decreased since their peak in 2022, but demand still exceeds supply, signaling a stabilising job market. While immigrant workers play a key role in sectors like construction, local employment has surged in industries like finance and IT, creating more opportunities for Singaporeans. Retention rates are improving, suggesting greater workforce stability. However, external economic uncertainties remain a challenge, requiring flexible workforce planning to navigate potential risks. Here’s why HR leaders must adjust recruitment strategies.

A new study in the UK highlights a worrying trend – 82 per cent of managers are “accidental managers” who were promoted without proper leadership training. This lack of preparation is leading to employee dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. According to the report, many managers are promoted for their technical expertise, not leadership skills, and over half lack formal management qualifications.

Another study co-authored by Associate Professor Surinder Kahai from Binghamton University highlights how improving collaboration between IT and other business functions, like marketing and finance, can enhance organisational success. The study suggests that CIOs play a key role in bridging the gap between these departments by promoting mutual understanding. The research underscores the need for integrating domain-specific knowledge with shared understanding to foster better collaboration and long-term success.

Furthermore, the global banking industry is likely to see a major workforce shift as AI becomes more integrated into daily operations. A recent report from Bloomberg Intelligence suggests that up to 2,00,000 jobs could be at risk in the next few years, with automation taking over certain tasks. Leading banks like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup are already using AI to improve efficiency and cut costs. While AI adoption could lead to job losses, it also offers significant financial benefits, potentially increasing profits by up to 17 per cent by 2027.

From experts..

Tarun Kumar Singh, Head of HR at Trident Realty, sharing his insightful piece explains the critical role of HR in shaping a positive and innovative workplace culture in real estate firms. He writes HR ensures that new hires align with the company’s values, facilitates seamless onboarding, and creates policies that reinforce collaboration and engagement. Read more here.

In the remote era, the world of work needs superior remote leaders – writes Visty Banaji, CEO of Banner Global Consulting. He explains the evolution of work setups from workplaces to home offices, and how this shift demands leadership change to succeed in this digitalised era.

Praveen Sinha, a strategic HR leader, predicts five key trends that may define 2025: skills, jobs, disruptions, resilience, and gender equity. He reminds us that predictions are meant as guidance, not guarantees, emphasising the need for flexibility as the future unfolds.

Rajat Kapur, Regional MD at The Executive Centre India & UAE, writes how flexible workspaces are revolutionising workplaces by promoting employee wellbeing and work-life balance. As work dynamics shift, businesses are realising the importance of creating workplaces where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Flexible workspaces = healthier, more balanced lives.

On a humuorous side..

Should resignations always be taken seriously? Definitely not this one. Rahul Bairwa, an employee from India, recently went viral for his humorous resignation email. After two years of hard work with no salary hike, he joked that he couldn't afford the iQ00 13 phone, priced at INR 51,999. He humorously pointed out how his stagnant salary was holding back both his career and his dreams of buying the fastest phone in India.

Such resignations might be a playful attempt to highlight workplace challenges, but they can also spark discussions about salary growth, employee well-being, and company culture. Humor aside, the underlying message is one that many people can relate to.