As the pandemic has changed the ways of accomplishing tasks and telecommuting has gained ground in all markets, flexibility in terms of where and when to work will be one of the factors most valued by employees in this new reality.
The threats caused by the spread of Covid-19, caused companies globally to look for new ways of working. Most teams chose to readjust their dynamics and focused on promoting remote work.
13% of Panamanian businesses reported that for the first quarter of 2018 they plan to increase their payrolls, a percentage that is identical to that registered in the same quarter of 2017.
According to data from the "Employment Expectations Survey" by ManpowerGroup, in the first three months of 2018, 13% of Panamanian employers plan to increase their staff payrolls, 78% think that they will not make changes, 7% plan to reduce them, and 2% do not know if will make any changes.
Industrialists are asking for inclusion in the Labour Code a 12 hour work day, and in cases in where the law permits, annualized hours.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industries (ICRC):
July 2014. In the view of the ICRC establishing additional rules for working time in Costa Rican legislation represents an excellent option for generating higher quality employment opportunities, while at the same time allowing firms to improve their production levels.
Costa Rican government employees earn up to 50% more than their peers in the private sector, and they have announced marches and strikes because they want to earn even more.
EDITORIAL
In Costa Rica, a country of 4.5 million inhabitants of which 20% live in poverty, there are 1,600 government officials whose monthly salaries are over $10,000, some reaching up to $70,000 a month.
While the unemployment rate remains the lowest in Latin America, an even greater level of preparedness of the workforce is needed to achieve dynamic and sustainable growth.
According to an article in Capital.com.pa the rate of employment growth is no longer parallel to economic growth, noting that "According to official figures, between March 2012 and March 2013 there was a decrease in the labour force of nearly 7,000 jobs. "
In an economy with a high amount of available jobs, the 57,000 resignations registered from January to May reveal a high level of job instability, which hurts both employers and employees.
Between January and May this year there were about 57,000 renunciations, which is about 3000 more than in the same period of 2012, mainly by people aged between 18 and 35. The predominant cause is the search for better wages and working conditions.
In the first seven months of the year, 235, 529 employment contracts were made, 17, 406 more than in the same period in 2011.
A press release from the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama reads:
The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development, recorded between January and July 2012, about 235,529 employment contracts, contracts 17,406 more than in the first seven months of 2011, as announced by the department of economic research at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, in a report.
An increase in informal employment and underemployment indicates a need to adapt the rules governing hiring people to the new forms of production.
EDITORIAL:
An article in Elfinancierocr.com reports that "More Costa Ricans are now working in the informal sector or are underemployed, visibly and invisibly. The National Household Survey 2011 by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) reveals this fact.
Brands like Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Phillips-Van Heusen and Vanity Fair asked the Government of Guatemala to review labor laws.
A group of U.S. retailers and brands such as Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Phillips-Van Heusen (PVH) and Vanity Fair (VF) said they want to see a "timely resolution" to the labor demands presented in 2008 against Guatemala under the framework of DR-CAFTA.
Will the “satisfaction equation” or the desire for development and ambition during good times change to a greater appreciation of stability and relationships in the long term?
Paula T. Leñero, Human Capital Manager at Deloitte Costa Rica, analyzed the possible changes in the definition of job satisfaction in times of crisis.
"During normal times, it is usual for job security perception, as an element of satisfaction, to be overcome by other needs such as professional development or fair compensation. However, in times like those that lie ahead, stability will be an element of high valuation, more so than other needs. It is important to explore whether this regression of the satisfaction equation" that has occurred in previous generations will affect current and future generations, and in the same manner. That is: Will we have more young people who value stability and long-term relationships over other aspects of satisfaction?"