M’sian workers prefer to stay put

○ They choose job security over job satisfaction in times of uncertainty: Survey

PETALING JAYA: To have a job in these difficult economic times is a blessing, and Malaysians are well aware of that.

A large proportion of them who are still employed now are more likely than ever to stay put rather than seek their fortunes elsewhere.

This is to be expected given the sense of uncertainty that has led to many employers freezing recruitment, according to human resource manager Srithren Krishnan.

Compared with their counterparts in other parts of Asia, Malaysians are most likely now to cling to their current employment.

The recently concluded H1 2021 Workmonitor Survey by the recruitment agency Randstad revealed that 55% of Malaysian workers want to stay put, compared with 37% for Singaporeans, 34% for workers from Hong Kong and 33% for those from China.

In the survey, the views of more than 400 Malaysians were sought. Overall, the study was conducted across 34 markets around the world.

Randstad Malaysia head of operations Fahad Naeem said the sentiment could also have stemmed from the fact that many companies have now implemented strict workplace protocols and policies as well as programmes to engage with and upskill their workers, giving them a reason to stay through good and bad times.

The most common initiatives adopted by Malaysian employers since the start of the pandemic included setting strict safety protocols for remote and on-site work, policies to improve work-life balance and regular well-being surveys.

But, Srithren said, this may not be the main reason as safety and welfare measures are only implemented in large multinational companies.

“Malaysians look for job security rather than job satisfaction and this is due to the Asian belief of retaining loyalty to their job. Being in the same organisation for a good amount of time fosters personal pride and achievement,” he told theSun.

The survey also showed that 37% of respondents need further support for a healthy work-life balance when working remotely.

Srithren explained that a major issue is the lack of a provision in the Employment Act to protect employees working from home.

“Working from home (WFH) takes up more time and a work-life balance doesn’t exist as most employers feel that WFH is a luxury,” he said.

He suggested that amendments be made to the clauses of one’s employment letter to re-state the employee’s working hours under WFH.

“Rather than work-life balance, the priority has shifted to merely getting a job and earning an income,” he added.

Human resource expert Muhd Hilman Rao told theSun that the high percentage shows that issues such as the survival of an organisation, the fear of having to adapt to new environments and the possibility of being retrenched are key concerns.

“The new norm has brought a paradigm shift in the work arrangement and labour market as digitalisation and the concept of WFH have taken centre stage.”

He urged companies to increase employee engagement initiatives such as virtual gatherings and celebrations. There must also be an open and transparent communication on the expectations of both parties, he added.

Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said employers must ensure home offices are safe and ergonomic and equip employees with the required equipment.

“There is also a need to provide mental health support via informal messaging groups, virtual coffee mornings, access to employee assistance programmes, and regular contact with bosses and colleagues to ensure that employees maintain a work-life balance,” he said.

Syed Hussain explained that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the lives of employees as well as their families, hence the value propositions have changed.

The low turnover rate of employees as shown by the survey is due to the uncertainty that the pandemic poses for the economy.

“Employees would rather not take the risk of seeking a new job due to the current volatile employment market,” he pointed out.