NOW more than ever, Malaysian employers must offer better flexibility and remote working opportunities to their employees.
According to the 2024 Wellness at Work Report by Employment Hero — a leading provider of people, payroll, and benefits software — two-thirds of the Malaysian workforce is currently experiencing burnout.
The report, which surveyed 1,015 Malaysian employees, reveals a significant increase in burnout from 58 per cent in 2022 to 67 per cent in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and workplace wellness initiatives.
Millennials are the hardest hit generation, with 69 per cent experiencing burnout, followed closely by Gen Z at 64 per cent.
Additionally, the main contributor to burnout among Malaysian employees is work-life balance, with 55 per cent rating their balance as poor or average.
Interestingly, 58 per cent of fully remote employees reported that their overall work-life balance was above average, compared to 44 per cent of hybrid employees and 42 per cent of in-office employees.
“The findings of our 2024 Wellness at Work Report clearly show that it’s time for employers to consider embracing remote work and flexible arrangements more fully,” says Employment Hero CEO and co-founder Ben Thompson.
“The recent amendments to the Employment Act 1955 in Malaysia now regulate flexible work arrangements, which is a positive step forward. By offering remote work and flexibility, employers can help their teams achieve a better work-life balance, reduce burnout, and improve overall job satisfaction. Supporting employees’ wellbeing not only benefits them but also contributes to a more productive and motivated workforce.”
The report echoes the sentiment that flexible working arrangements could help address the rising burnout rates. It reveals that 88 per cent of knowledge workers want to work remotely at least one day per week, with remote and hybrid work generally perceived as beneficial for both work-life balance and personal finances.
Indeed, with only 53 per cent of employees feeling on track with their financial goals and 49 per cent believing their workplaces are insufficiently supporting rising living costs, financial stress emerges as a significant contributor to the increasing burnout rate.
Roopy Dhaliwal, Head of People Experience at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia, notes, “Addressing stress and burnout among the younger workforce requires a multifaceted approach tailored to their unique needs. Flexible work arrangements are crucial, especially for working parents and younger employees balancing academic commitments. Incorporating elements of fun and engagement into the workplace, such as stress management workshops and support groups, can significantly reduce stress.
“Ultimately, flexible work policies are essential for creating a work environment where all employees can perform at their best while maintaining their wellbeing and work-life balance.”
Despite the challenges, there appears to be a potentially brighter future ahead. Encouragingly, 52 per cent of employees rated their employer’s commitment to improving overall health and wellbeing as above average, and 77 per cent of Malaysians are satisfied with their working relationship with their manager.
With this in mind, providing additional flexible working options, alongside competitive pay, seems to be a key factor not only for retaining employees but also for attracting new talent.
