Author: HR Talk

Facing acute labour shortages across key industries, Russia is increasingly turning to Indian workers to fill critical roles. In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, Vinay Kumar, India’s envoy to Russia, highlighted rising demand for Indian manpower not only in construction and textiles but also in sectors such as machinery and electronics. The surge in Indian employment has put additional pressure on Indian consular services in Russia. As more citizens arrive for work, consular offices are handling a growing volume of routine documentation, including passport renewals and family-related services. Russia plans to bring in up to one million foreign…

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the ex-gratia payment for nominees or legal heirs of employees who die in service from Rs 8.8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh under its Death Relief Fund. Starting April 2026, the ex-gratia amount will see a 5% annual increase, linking the benefit to inflation for the first time. This move aims to ensure that monetary assistance for dependents or heirs keeps pace with rising living costs. The payout will come from the Staff Welfare Fund, providing greater financial security to families of employees under the Central Board. EPFO has also introduced procedural…

Lenovo is ramping up its presence in India, positioning the country as both a high-growth market and a global hub for artificial intelligence. The company plans to expand its AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, which currently employs 400 professionals, by adding another 1,000 highly skilled experts. The Bengaluru centre will focus on consulting, security, and enterprise services, while supporting businesses in designing end-to-end digital transformation frameworks. The move comes after a strong performance in FY25, when Lenovo’s India business recorded 67% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching USD 3.4 billion. Enterprise solutions under Lenovo’s ISG division have been key drivers, fueled…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world of Human Resources. From screening resumes and scheduling interviews to handling payroll and answering employee queries through chatbots, AI has made HR operations faster, smarter, and more data-driven. But the big question remains: Can—or should—HR be fully replaced by AI? What AI Does Well in HR AI excels at repetitive, rule-based tasks. It can: These functions not only reduce workload for HR teams but also minimise human bias in some decision-making processes. Where AI Falls Short However, HR is not just about processes—it’s about people. AI struggles in areas that require empathy,…

Cisco has announced another round of layoffs in California’s Bay Area, affecting 221 employees across its Milpitas and San Francisco offices. The disclosure was made through regulatory filings with the state’s Employment Development Department. The job cuts come just days after the tech giant reported strong financial results. Cisco posted $14.7 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter, up 8% year-on-year, while full-year revenue for fiscal 2025 reached $56.7 billion, reflecting a 5% increase. The layoffs highlight the complex balancing act in the tech industry, where companies are pairing healthy profits with restructuring moves. Cisco continues to ramp up investments…

For two consecutive days, Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters in Washington became the site of employee protests against the company’s alleged involvement in the Gaza conflict. Demonstrators opposed the use of Microsoft’s technology by the Israeli military and demanded an immediate end to business ties with Israel. On the first day, around 35 protestors dispersed after being asked to leave the campus. However, on the second day, demonstrators refused to comply and reportedly turned aggressive when security attempted to disperse them. Tensions escalated when some protestors splashed red paint on a Microsoft logo sign to symbolise what they described as the bloodshed…

A curious tale from Delhi’s startup scene has gone viral after an employee reportedly quit his new job on the very first day. According to accounts shared on X (formerly Twitter), the individual worked until lunch, left his company-issued laptop on the desk, and quietly walked out—never to return. When HR tried to contact him, he initially ignored calls before finally giving a brief response: he simply couldn’t continue working there. The stark honesty of the exit and the dramatic timing quickly captured attention online. The post struck a chord with thousands of professionals who related to the frustrations of…

In a landmark ruling, Australia’s Federal Court has ordered Qantas Airways to pay a fine of $58.64 million for illegally terminating 1,800 ground staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case, brought forward by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), marks one of the heaviest penalties ever imposed under the country’s labour laws. The controversy dates back to 2021, when the court found that Qantas had breached the Fair Work Act by preventing employees from exercising their workplace rights and unionising. While the airline insisted the sackings were a commercial decision, the court ruled that the process lacked fairness and adequate justification.…

Amazon India has announced plans to create over 1.5 lakh seasonal jobs across more than 400 cities and towns, gearing up for the upcoming festive season. The roles span the company’s extensive fulfilment, sortation, and delivery network, ensuring faster deliveries during peak shopping periods. The hiring drive covers both metros—such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune—and smaller cities including Ranchi, Jalandhar, Coimbatore, and Anantnag. Notably, thousands of women and more than 2,000 persons with disabilities have already joined the seasonal workforce. While many of these positions are temporary, Amazon says a significant number of recruits continue beyond the festive…

US President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure Germany’s leading carmakers into building plants in America have hit resistance from Audi’s workforce. Labour leaders at the Volkswagen-owned brand insist that the company must protect jobs and production in Germany before committing to a US manufacturing facility. Audi is considering options for its own US plant, while Volkswagen already operates a facility there and is building another for its Scout brand. However, works council chief and deputy board chairman Jörg Schlagbauer said expansion would only be acceptable if management guarantees long-term employment and output levels in Germany. Currently, he sees “no need”…