Top factors employees surveyed in Malaysia prioritise for happiness at work

A good work-life balance ranks first (42%), followed by a safe and healthy environment (40%), and good connection with co-workers (39%).

Just 36% of employees surveyed in Asia Pacific believe a well-paid job leads to happiness at work, according to a report.

The survey findings, published by PERSOLKELLY, noted that instead, employees in the region place higher priority on four other factors: 

• A good work-life balance is ranked first (42%),
• a safe and healthy environment (40%),
• good connection with co-workers (39%), and
• the ability to provide their family with better living conditions (38%).

Zooming in to Malaysia, the report found that overall, 98% of respondents in the country agree work-life happiness in important, while 48% cite the ability to provide their family with better living conditions as the top factor affecting happiness at work.

Keeping these in mind, the respondents were also asked about their current work-life satisfaction, how their current job role affects others, and more:

• 81% of respondents in Malaysia say that they are satisfied with their current work-life situation, ranking Malaysia fifth out of the 12 markets surveyed. In that vein, four in 10 (40%) believe that they themselves are responsible for their work satisfaction, followed by their HR (19%) and direct managers (14%).
• A similar share believes their job plays a significant role in improving the lives of other people.
• Additionally, 70% noted that there are sufficient job choices available in the market today.

Apart from the above, 69% of respondents said they would proactively reach out to their managers to discuss their job motivation, 27% shared from experience that there were no changes even after the discussions.

Commenting on the above, Brian Sim, Managing Director and Country Head, PERSOLKELLY Malaysia, said: "As the job landscape becomes more dynamic and competitive, leaders need to recognise the pivotal role of employee work-life satisfaction in driving not only their performance and growth as individuals, but also for the organisation as a whole.

"The needs and expectations of employees are evolving as we speak and today, employee happiness is critical."

Thus, it was highlighted, leaders should look into providing further support to engage and keep employees happy, including regular feedback, maintaining policies that enforce a safe and supportive work environment, and offering flexible work arrangements, among others.

About the survey

The survey was conducted across 12 Asia Pacific markets from 3 to 21 July 2023, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and India. A total of 2,540 samples were collected, with respondents coming from a mix of small (10-249 employees) and large (250-1000+ employees) companies.

Sectors that the respondents were from include banking, construction, education and training, government, healthcare, investment, manufacturing, and more.

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