Are Malaysians Happy at Work? Insights from Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture on CITYPlus

Is the Malaysian workforce genuinely happy, or just holding out for the next public holiday? On CITYPlus, Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture, Joselyn Lau, breaks down what happiness at work really looks like—from salary expectations and working hours to company culture and boundary-setting.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-24 at 5:51 AM

Updated on 2025-03-24 at 5:51 AM

CITYPlus invited Joselyn Lau, Hiredly’s Vice President of People & Culture, to join hosts Crystal and Jessie in a heartfelt conversation about what it really means to be happy at work in Malaysia.

With over 10 years of HR and recruitment experience, Joselyn shared professional insights mixed with real Malaysian context—from annual leave to salary expectations and even after-hours messages from your boss.

1. Are Malaysians Happy at Work? Let’s Talk Holidays First

Malaysia ranks among the top countries in the world for public holidays—and for many employees, that’s a huge perk.

💬 “Aside from payday, public holidays are what make work feel worth it!” Joselyn jokes.
While the Employment Act guarantees at least 14 days of annual leave for fresh grads, many companies today offer up to 20 days—especially those that prioritise work-life balance.

2. Salary Satisfaction: Are We Earning Enough?

Despite complaints about low pay, Malaysia’s overall salary levels have been improving, especially in comparison to 5–10 years ago. However, Joselyn points out that meeting basic needs isn’t the full picture anymore.

💡 “If you’re aiming for lifestyle upgrades or savings, then yes—you’ll need a higher income,” she says.
Fresh grads in KL may start at RM3,000–RM3,500, but stretching that depends on personal spending habits and financial planning.

3. After-Hours Messages: What’s the Boundary?

What if your boss texts you after hours?

Joselyn shares that urgency and reasonableness matter most.
If it’s a one-off emergency (like pulling down a wrong social post), it’s fair. But if it's happening all the time, it's worth setting boundaries.

💬 “Respect goes both ways. Employees should feel safe speaking up if it's affecting their work-life balance.”

4. Working Hours in Malaysia: What the Law Says

Since 2023, Malaysia officially reduced the maximum weekly work hours from 48 to 45 hours. By law, employees shouldn’t work more than 8 hours a day or 104 overtime hours per month.

Joselyn explains that frequent overtime could be a red flag—either due to unrealistic workloads or skill gaps in the team.
💡 Her tip? Employers should regularly assess task urgency and team capacity.

With plenty of public holidays, improving salaries, and stronger labour laws—Malaysia’s workforce has a lot to be grateful for. But true happiness comes from healthy work cultures, clear communication, and respect for boundaries. Explore jobs that fit your lifestyle on Hiredly, join the Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover careers that match your strengths and preferences.

Listen to the full episode on CITYPlus for more honest career talk!

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-24 at 5:51 AM