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 common for foreigners to say things like, "I get up early in the morning and come home late." Make sure to rotate work sites to avoid any dissatisfaction.
For specified skilled workers whose main job is working on-site, the start of work is considered to be at the site. Even if they gather at the company and travel in a company car, this is not considered working hours, and travel time is considered commuting time. Going directly to and from work is also considered commuting time. Therefore, travel time to a distant site is not considered working hours, and is not eligible for overtime pay. To avoid dissatisfaction with foreign nationals, inform them in advance and arrange the next site.
Some companies go beyond what is required by law and make payments under the name of "long-distance commuting allowance" when the distance or time exceeds a certain limit, thereby reducing the sense of unfairness.
Would you consider this, taking into account the current situation of your company?