KUALA LUMPUR: A majority, or 88 per cent of Malaysians, surveyed, said the pandemic had empowered them to improve their work-life balance.
Further, employees in Malaysia may have also received a different perspective on work after working from home for most of the pandemic, according to a recent workforce monitoring study conducted by Randstad, a leading human resources solutions agency.
Randstad today released the results of their second half (H2) 2021 Workmonitor survey in Malaysia.
The bi-annual survey highlights the workforce's latest sentiments and perceptions of the local job market.
The survey showed that over the past 18 months, more than three in five Malaysian respondents have reassessed how work fits into their personal schedules by a considerable amount or more.
Two in three respondents said that they are experiencing higher stress levels since the pandemic began and want to
make changes to their work life.
Randstad Malaysia head of operations Fahad Naeem 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, compromising their wellbeing and mental health.
"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," he said in a statement today.
The pandemic has led many Malaysians to reconsider their life priorities and career goals.
More than four in five respondents said that they have more clarity on both their personal and professional goals since
the start of the pandemic.
Career priorities have also changed, with many valuing a working environment that promotes employee wellbeing and flexibility.
The survey data indicated that 64 per cent of respondents want a safe work environment, 52 per cent want the opportunity to do meaningful work, and 49 per cent want job flexibility to accommodate commitments outside of work.
"People are re-evaluating their career decisions to pursue their professional and personal development as well as to understand their role in the changing world of work.
"For example, contracting job opportunities are becoming more attractive as employees get the chance to work in different environments and develop their skills quickly.
"Contract roles also offer a higher level of flexibility to negotiate their working hours or take breaks between their contracting stints to rest," Fahad said.
He said the Randstad Talent team in Malaysia supports people who are looking for flexibility in their careers,
especially working parents, career switchers, or people who need to take a break from the pandemic without pausing their career or losing their income security.
The Randstad 2H 2021 Workmonitor survey was conducted in September 2021 across 34 markets worldwide, with a minimum of 800 respondents in each market.