The study which surveyed 1,453 workers in the country, also revealed that 12 per cent of those surveyed are planning to start a job hunt in the next six months, while 60 per cent have changed roles since the onset of the pandemic.
The Michael Page Malaysia Talent Trends 2023 report titled "The Invisible Revolution" noted nine in 10 Malaysians who started a new job last year are open to new opportunities.
"95 per cent of all employees in Malaysia are open to considering new opportunities. Even generally happy employees will explore new career prospects. "Malaysian employees are now seeking a more comprehensive package – attractive salaries, flexibility, career growth, frequent recognition and a work culture that aligns with their values in a range of areas, including sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion," said Michael Page Malaysia managing director Nic Chambers.
It added that 72 per cent of the population are more likely to seek a new job when the economic environment deteriorates.
However, this openness will not necessarily convert into job applications.
After a high volume of career migration during and after the pandemic, people now focus on finding employment opportunities that best meet their individual ambitions and fulfil their vision of an ideal work-life balance, noted the study.
PageGroup chief executive officer Nicholas Kirk said the trend in Malaysia mirrored the sentiment of the global talent market whereby every region has seen a transformative change across all age groups, markets, and industries.
"These are not fleeting trends or reactionary responses to a period of turbulence. Rather, they are reshaping the workplace in a way that will subtly yet fundamentally change the way businesses attract and retain their talent," added Kirk.