Foreigner's Voice

Foreign employees often do not understand the relationship between basic salary and allowances due to differences in employment practices and social systems between their home countries and their home countries. They also often do not understand why taxes and other fees are deducted from their salary.
In order to prevent problems and ensure that employees are comfortable working, it is very important that they understand the salary system and the reasons for deductions. Explain that there are various types of wages, such as basic salary and various allowances.

Many people want to work overtime to earn more for their families. However, employers cannot easily agree to such requests. Be sure to explain the "legal working hours" as well as break times and holidays stipulated by law.

In Asian countries, the head (hair) is considered very sacred, and in many places the head is considered "the place where the soul, god, spirit, and other sacred things reside." For this reason, Japanese people who say "Good job!" and pat someone on the head with the intention of praising them may find it unpleasant for foreigners. Be careful not to touch not only the head, but also the hair.

In Japan, many people use paid leave to go back to their hometowns during Obon and New Year's holidays.
Some foreigners also wish to take paid leave to return home. Due to differences in culture and customs, the time and duration of holidays may differ from those of Japanese Obon and New Year's holidays. It is also effective to create a system of leave for returning home in addition to the regular paid leave system.
On the other hand, long vacations often have a large impact on work, so it is necessary to clearly explain to employees that they must apply in advance and which periods they should avoid. Salaries during leave are paid according to the following three calculation methods (depending on the company's work regulations).

[1] Same salary as when you were working
[2] Average wage (the sum of wages paid over the past three months divided by the number of calendar days)
[3] Standard monthly salary for health insurance

If foreigners are paid less during their vacation than when they are working, they may not understand why they are being paid less. Make sure to clearly explain the company's regulations regarding pay during vacations.
In addition, there is a deadline for when paid leave can be used. The deadline is two years from the date the paid leave is granted. If the paid leave is not used within two years, it will disappear, so tell your employees to plan their use accordingly.

In Japan, it is widely known that health checkups are required by law, so it is often sufficient to explain to people that "you should have a health checkup once a year to manage your health."
On the other hand, foreigners may not be required to undergo health checkups in their home countries, which can lead to problems such as refusal to undergo X-rays, blood tests, urine samples, etc. In particular, some people believe that X-rays use radiation and may have adverse effects on their bodies.
Make sure they understand that yearly testing (or semi-annual testing if they work in hazardous work) is required by law, and that this law exists to protect them as workers and the companies that employ them.
Also, be sure to explain in advance the tests that will be tested and how the company will cover the costs of the medical checkup.

Depending on where foreigners come from, they may not be able to adapt to the heat or cold, and the recent abnormal weather may harm their health. If a foreigner asks for an air conditioner (stove), please listen to their request. Lack of sleep affects work and increases the risk of accidents.
For reference, the average temperatures in January at the three locations are as follows:
・The highest temperature in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is 30℃, and the lowest is 20℃.
・The highest temperature in Jakarta, Indonesia is 28°C, and the lowest is 22°C.
・The highest temperature in Manila, Philippines is 29℃, and the lowest temperature is 23℃.

It is often a problem among foreigners that "I wake up early in the morning and come home late". Rotate the site and avoid dissatisfaction.
Specified Skilled Worker, where work is mainly done in the field, is considered to start work on site. Even if you gather at the company and travel in the company car, it does not count as working time, and travel time is considered commuting time. In the case of a direct trip, it is also considered commuting time. Therefore, travel time to a distant site is not a working time and is not considered an overtime pay. To prevent foreigners from being dissatisfied, let them know in advance and adjust the next site.
In addition, some companies may pay in the name of "long-distance commuting allowance" when a certain distance or time is exceeded as a response to the law, for example, to reduce the sense of unfairness.
Why don't you consider it based on the company's situation?