‘Nine in 10 M’sians face work changes during Covid-19 pandemic’

KUALA LUMPUR: Nine in 10 Malaysians have felt the unfavourable effects of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in their workplace, according to a JobStreet survey, and the numbers are startling.

The survey revealed that 58 per cent experienced the need to work from home, 48 per cent had a negative impact on remuneration and salary while 24 per cent were required to take leaves.

Furthermore, 66 per cent of employees experienced an increased scope of work, particularly among higher-paid employees in larger organisations (68 per cent).

This was greatest in the education (an increase of 54 per cent) and manufacturing (an increase of 45 per cent) sectors, which experienced a need for remote learning and greater demand for goods, respectively.

By contrast, a decrease in scope of work was felt by employees working in hospitality or catering (an increase of 45 per cent) and architecture or construction (an increase of 36 per cent). While longer-term, full-time employees are less vulnerable in terms of retrenchment, most experienced a removal or reduction of bonuses and a salary dip.

In fact, one in three employees reported a salary reduction of more than 30 per cent.

In light of these changes, most employees are now concerned with matters related to finances and job security.

These concerns have led to a decline in job happiness, particularly those in serviceoriented sectors and those with young children.

Employees working for small to medium organisations (SMEs) also rated their job happiness as lower.

On the bright side, the government has introduced a few initiatives under National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) to cushion the blow of Covid-19.

Among these are the launch of the MY30 unlimited travel pass, the provision of free 1GB Internet data, business grants for SMEs with gig economy workers, and other financial grants. During unprecedented times, the workplace continues to respond and adapt to the Covid-19 crisis.

Aside from relying on government resources, more companies are turning towards JobStreet to alleviate the Covid19 effect.

“JobStreet has a critical role during this time to help Malaysians secure available jobs in the shortest time possible, and to support them through this Covid-19 crisis,” Country manager Gan Bock Herm said, referring to the JobStreet’s initiative, #TogetherAhead.

Under #TogetherAhead, JobStreet recently launched #WorkNow to help candidates and employers through various pandemic-induced challenges.

This feature connects immediately available candidates to potential employers. To use this function, JobStreet has provided a simple stepby-step guide for candidates here.

For more useful information and insights, visit JobStreet’s resource hub at https://www. jobstreet.com.my/event/covid19/ everyday-got-jobs.htm.

JobStreet has a critical role during this time to help Malaysians secure available jobs in the shortest time possible, and to support them through this Covid19 crisis.

Gan Bock Herm