Minister Hannah Yeoh speaks on work-life practices in Malaysia

Over the weekend, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development YB Hannah Yeoh, touched on how Malaysian employers should step up and adapt current work, workplace and workforce capacities to meet the demands of the future of work.

Speaking to over 100 companies at the #ChatwithHannahYeoh session, an informal dialogue organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp), YB Yeoh said: "Malaysia is not alone in this conversation about creating family-focused workplaces. All governments of developed and developing nations are deliberating ways to evolve their workplaces for the wellbeing of their people."

"The Malaysian government too, recognises work-life practices as a way to future-proof our workforce and ensure our country’s competitiveness," she added, going on to describe flexible workplace policies and culture as key strategies to meet the demands of the future.

At the dialogue which was also attended by Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) of the Ministry of Human Resources, Dato’ Amir Bin Omar, YB Yeoh said that one way to achieve a dynamic and future-proof workforce is through the implementation of work-life practices (WLPs), which create synergy between personal life and work, resulting in better productivity.

According to TalentCorp'sLife AtWork Survey 2017 report, 90% of organisations in Malaysia agree on the importance of offering WLPs.

At the event, YB Yeoh also launched the LIFE AT WORK 2018 awards, an annual initiative by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and TalentCorp that recognises companies with progressive workplace practices. Featuring a reputable array of alumni such as Maybank (Platinum Winner, 2016), CIMB Group (Best Malaysian Organisation, 2017), PwC Malaysia (Best International Organisation, 2017), LIFE AT WORK celebrates employers who champion the Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

Participants in this year’s awards will be vying for recognition in the following categories: Best Non-Profit Organisation, Best Malaysian Organisation, Best SME, Best International Organisation, CEO Champion, Best Leadership Team, Outstanding Practice, and Best New Entrant.

Photo / provided