According to a recent survey by Randstad, 88 per cent of respondents in Malaysia revealed that the pandemic has empowered them to improve their work-life balance. After being locked out of offices due to isolation measures and continuing work from home, employees are seeing their jobs in a different perspective.
More than three in five Malaysian respondents have reassessed how work fits into their personal schedule by a considerable amount or more. Also, two in three said that they are experiencing higher stress levels since Covid-19 emerged thus prompting them to want changes in their lives.
The survey – the Randstad 2H 2021 Workmonitor – finds that the most important issues are life goals and career priorities, with more than four out of five respondents said that they have a clearer picture of their personal and professional goals since the pandemic started.
Many are now putting more value in a working environment that promotes employee wellbeing and flexibility. A safe work environment is important for 64 per cent of respondents, 52 per cent want the chance of doing meaningful work, while 49 per cent want job flexibility that can accommodate commitments outside of work.
Of course, work benefits and the compensation package remain as one of the top considerations for Malaysian employees (66%). For 51 per cent of responders, career growth opportunity is another crucial element to factor in.
Fahad Naeem, Head of Operations at Randstad Malaysia said, “Working from home and Covid-19 restrictions have deprived many employees from participating in social activities that allow them to unwind after work. Many turned to working extra hours to fill their time at home as well, compromising their well-being and mental health in the process. Companies should continue to offer support to their staff, even after they return to the office this year, and constantly remind employees to take breaks and manage their workload to avoid burnouts.”
A large number of respondents (38.6%) also reported that they have changed jobs during the second half of 2021. This is an 8.3 per cent increase over the preceding six months. The top three reasons for the job change were organisational circumstances (42%), better employment conditions (29%), and personal ambition in the management field (29%).
The Randstad Workmonitor 2H 2021 survey was conducted in September across 34 markets around the globe, with a minimum of 800 respondents in each market.
