87 pct workers willing to be re-trained to ensure employability

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 87 per cent of respondents in Malaysia are willing to be re-trained to ensure their employability.

According to Randstad, the sentiment is highest among more Generation-X workers, with 92 per cent of respondents aged from 35 to 44 years old feeling so.

The 2020 Randstad Workmonitor first-quarter survey was conducted from March 13-30, 2020 with a minimum sample size of 400 per market.

Malaysia and Singapore managing director Jaya Dass said more companies are investing in technology as a strategy to recover faster and emerge stronger from the pandemic.

However, he said this may risk further widening the gap between what employers expect of their workforce and the skills that the employees are realistically equipped with.

“To remain competitive, organisations need to meet the heightened expectations that their workforce in equipping them with the skills that will adequately prepare them for the future and to avoid unemployment,” he said.

Dass said three in four of all local respondents believe younger workers are more attractive to employers due to the “tech-savvy” skills they possess and this sentiment is higher among Generation Z respondents, with 83 per cent of them echoing the same.

“Even though younger talent are seen to be more desirable for their digital knowledge, employers should not expect or rely on them to drive the organisation’s digital agenda.

“Instead, companies should create a collaborative environment where employees from all different generations can experience growth together,” he added in a statement.