Top 3 Traits Employees in Malaysia Look For In Companies
With the evolving needs and expectations of the workforce, companies must offer more than just a paycheck to attract and retain top talent in Malaysia.
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2024-09-29 at 1:03 PM
What Employees Want From Companies in Malaysia
We wrapped our Work Culture Report and have firsthand insights into what makes Malaysian employees tick.
From notoriety, salary, and working environment to opportunities—we asked employees in Malaysia what they look for when looking for a company to work with.
Here are the top three company traits employees look for in Malaysia:
1. Career Growth
Companies looking for employees to settle with them long-term can rejoice. At the top of the totem pole (even higher than salary) is Career Growth. Career growth opportunities in Malaysia have become a critical factor for job seekers when choosing an employer. When deciding on a workplace, job seekers show the most concern about their potential for growth in the company.
In fact, out of 71% of employees that plan to resign, 59% say it’s due to a lack of career opportunities. When asked, 69% of the same group claimed they would stay at their current jobs if given better career and promotion opportunities.
Why Career Growth Matters
- Job Promotion Opportunities: Employees are attracted to companies that provide a transparent path for promotions and career advancement.
- Professional Development: Organisations that invest in their employees' professional development not only increase job satisfaction but also improve employee retention.
So here’s how you retain employees in Malaysia while attracting ambitious new ones:
- Prepare clear promotion plans to help employees envision their progress in your company.
- Opt to promote internal employees to higher positions or train them for the role.
- Offer learning opportunities like certifications or courses that advance them within the company.
Want more info on what employees in Malaysia look for in a workplace? Consider taking our Work Persona Quiz. This quiz can help you understand your strengths in engaging with top talent!
2. Hybrid Work Arrangement
The office environment isn’t dying anytime soon. Instead, it’s welcoming a new twist! The global pandemic has reshaped the way we work, and hybrid work arrangements at Malaysian companies have become highly sought after. Even when given the choice to work from home, over half of employees prefer a hybrid working arrangement!
It’s true for 53% of hybrid employees, 56% of office employees and 67% of remote employees that responded to our survey. Employees value the flexibility to work from home or the office, allowing them to achieve a better work-life balance in Malaysian companies.
Take it from hybrid employees themselves. When asked what they liked the most about their working arrangement, they cited easier access to work resources, work-life balance and of course – better collaboration.
Why Hybrid Work Arrangement Matters
- Work-Life Balance Working in Malaysia: With the rise of remote work, employees now expect companies to offer hybrid working options. This flexibility enables them to manage their personal and professional lives more effectively, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Attracting Talent: Companies that offer hybrid work arrangements are more likely to attract top talent in Malaysia, especially from younger generations who prioritise work-life balance. This setup also allows companies to widen their talent pool by hiring from different geographical locations.
Ultimately, a hybrid arrangement lets employees enjoy convenience while establishing meaningful relationships with their peers. Until the Metaverse shows some promise, nothing really beats honest, face-to-face communication.
3. Competitive Salaries
For many employees, the financial benefits offered by a company are just as important as career growth and flexibility. This refers to competitive salaries, bonuses, and other financial incentives that help employees build long-term financial security.
Due to Malaysia’s rising living costs, many workers are forced to prioritise jobs that let them earn more.
Why Competitive Salaries Matter
- Employee Financial Growth: Companies that offer performance bonuses or satisfactory pay raises are more appealing to employees. These perks not only attract talent but also motivate them to perform better and stay with the company longer.
- Financial Stability: Competitive salaries are crucial for employees who want to achieve financial stability and support their families. Companies that pay above-average salaries are likely to stand out in the job market.
Out of the 71% of employees that plan to resign, almost half attributed it to a lack of pay raise. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that the number one reason that will keep employees at their current job is a salary increase or bonus.
We’re sure you’re no stranger to rising costs and inflation, either. But if you’re in the position to retain and attract more employees, consider reviewing and revising employees’ salaries regularly to stay competitive with living costs.
Conclusion
The Malaysian job market is evolving, and companies need to adapt to the changing expectations of their employees. By focusing on career growth, offering hybrid work arrangements, and providing competitive salaries, companies can position themselves as employers of choice. Understanding and integrating these traits into the workplace culture will not only attract top talent but also ensure long-term employee satisfaction and retention.
If you're an employer looking to attract and retain the best talent in Malaysia, start by implementing these traits into your company culture. By prioritising these top three traits, both employers and employees can thrive in the competitive and dynamic job market.
Looking to be an employer of choice in Malaysia? See how Hiredly can help you create a winning culture that attracts Malaysia’s best talent. Get started with Hiredly Employer Solutions now!
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM