KUALA LUMPUR: About 40 per cent of Malaysians has cited work-life balance as the main reason why they stayed at the current workplace.
"Interestingly, wages do not determine employees' long-term stay with companies, yet they prefer better work-life balance.
"Salary and benefits tied to job or career progression came in second - and third - best reasons respectively on why employees choose to stay with a company.
"Employees without them realising it, find that work-life balance as the main reason why they stayed on," said Women, Family and Community Development Ministry director general Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman.
She said this after launching the International Work Life Balance Forum (IWLBF) 2017, held at Connexion@ Nexus, Bangsar South, here today.
The forum offered resolution in shaping the work-life balance factor in Malaysia by ensuring that companies out there are work life balance compliant.
"It was crucial for everyone to pull away from work and take on effective time management of tasks and put aside time for their loved ones at home.
“Without work-life balance in a family, children are deprived of quality family time and the already distracted youth of today will end up becoming adults without proper guidance by their parents who are too busy at work," she said.
Speaking on women workforce in the country, Yatimah said most would prefer to leave their jobs once they are married or have children in order to experience a balanced lifestyle.
"The number of women leaving their jobs after marriage can be quite alarming.
"Thus, the government is trying to come up with innitiatives to ensure that women return to the workforce.
The event was organised by Advisory, Development, Learning and Achievement (ADLA) Group Sdn Bhd, the first Work Life Balance School for Entrepreneurs in Malaysia, and supported by the Ministry.
ADLA founder Datin Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan said: "As employees, we are always busy, but we need to ensure that we have enough support system within our office environment and life.
"Women and men out there need to have a balance between their working and personal life," she said.
The forum was attended by about 300 participants.