<h1>Beyond the Salary: These Are The 5 Things Malaysian Talents Want&nbsp;</h1><h3>Introduction</h3>Let’s get this out of the way: salary matters. No one’s working purely for the vibes. But in 2025, Malaysian jobseekers are making one thing very clear, if your workplace offers great pay and a toxic environment, they’ll still pass.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/workculture?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=beyond_the_salary:_these_are_the_5_things_malaysian_talents_want_">Hiredly’s 2025 Work Culture Report</a>,&nbsp;while compensation remains important, it’s not the only thing jobseekers weigh when making career decisions. In fact, many are willing to trade a bit of salary for a healthier, more flexible, and more meaningful work experience.So, what do they actually care about beyond the paycheck? Here are five things candidates say are more valuable than just money and no, free snacks didn’t make the list.&nbsp;<h3>1. Flexible Work Arrangements</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/960x0_1ca583ed68.webp"></figure>Hybrid. Remote. Staggered hours. These aren’t Gen Z pipe dreams, they’re now expected across all career stages.The report shows that flexible work culture ranks in the top 3 job priorities for every generation. For some, it's even more attractive than a promotion. Why? Because flexibility signals trust, reduces burnout, and helps people fit work around life, not the other way around.Employer takeaway: If your role is remote-friendly, say it. If it’s hybrid, flaunt it.&nbsp;<a href="https://intellect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Whitepaper-ASEAN-Workplace-Wellbeing-2024.pdf">Flexible roles</a> consistently attract more applications.&nbsp;<h3>2. Fulfilling Career Growth Paths</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/career_sign_post_a2bce127a3.webp"></figure>Growth isn’t just for fresh grads. From interns to seasoned pros, everyone wants to know: “Where is this job leading me?”Hiredly’s report reveals that career development ranks just behind salary as a priority for Millennials and Gen Z&nbsp; and remains important for Gen X too. But it’s not just about titles.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pwc.com/my/en/assets/publications/2024/pwc-my-hopes-and-fears-malaysia-findings.pdf">Employees</a> want mentorship, upskilling, and room to evolve.Employer takeaway: Stop saying “opportunity for growth” and start showing it. Share career progression examples, learning programs, or development budgets. Give people a reason to stay.&nbsp;<h3>3. Supportive Work Culture</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/5_Steps_to_Driving_a_Healthier_Workplace_Culture_813f71aa0f.jpg"></figure>A big paycheck loses its shine fast if your team is toxic, your boss micromanages, and meetings feel like gladiator battles.The Work Culture Report found that across all age groups, a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace ranks high in importance even above salary in some cases. Candidates want psychological safety, fair leadership, and the ability to be themselves at work.Employer takeaway: Highlight your real culture. Feature employee testimonials, team initiatives, or wellness programs on your Hiredly Company Page. And make sure your internal reality matches what you advertise.&nbsp;<h3>4. Mental Health Support</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/Workplace_Mental_Health_scaled_eda0b4cb3b.jpeg"></figure>Burnout is no longer a badge of honour. Today’s talent, especially Gen Z and Millennials are proactively protecting their well-being. And they expect their employers to do the same.In 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://relate.com.my/navigating-workplace-burnout-strategies-for-restoring-balance-and-well-being/">mental health</a> support isn’t a perk, it’s a basic expectation. Whether that’s mental health days, access to counselling, or a culture that doesn’t glorify overwork, candidates are noticing who’s walking the talk.Employer takeaway: Promote your wellness initiatives (if you have them). If you don’t, it’s time to build them. Mental health matters more than ever.&nbsp;<h3>5. Purpose and Meaning</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/Purpose_0b28dfc9c5.jpg"></figure>Meaningful work is trending and not just on LinkedIn. Many jobseekers, especially younger ones, want to feel like their job has purpose. That doesn’t mean every company needs to save the rainforest. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ipaa.org.au/top-insights-from-the-2024-edelman-trust-barometer-report-a-collision-of-trust-innovation-and-politics/#:~:text=For%20the%20most%20part%2C%20the%20figures%20are,or%20the%20IPAA%20QLD%20blog%20article%20here).">employees</a> want to know: “What are we building, and why does it matter?”When people feel connected to a bigger goal, they stay longer and work better.Employer takeaway: Share your mission. Show the impact your company makes on clients, the community, or the industry. Don’t be afraid to get a little idealistic.&nbsp;<h2>Change the Way You See the 3 Generations at Work</h2>In 2025, attracting top talent means looking beyond the bank account. Jobseekers are evaluating the whole package and they’re asking: Is this a job I’ll thrive in, not just survive in?If you want to win them over, give them more than just money. Give them flexibility, growth, support, well-being, and purpose.📥&nbsp;Download the full Hiredly 2025 Work Culture Report at<a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/workculture?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=beyond_the_salary:_these_are_the_5_things_malaysian_talents_want_">&nbsp;hiredly.com/workculture</a> to explore deeper insights that will help you attract and retain Malaysia’s top talent in 2025 and beyond.<hr><h2>About Hiredly</h2>Hiredly is a leading recruitment platform in Malaysia, specialising in professional and executive talent. Our modern, rich-media platform levels the playing field for all employers, big or small, by helping them build their employer brand and attract top-tier talent. At the same time, our AI-powered Job Discovery features, combined with deeper insights into company culture and values, help candidates find the right fit.The platform also includes an integrated recruitment agency, Hiredly X, creating a true hybrid model. Unlike traditional agencies, Hiredly X has native, exclusive access to a live, self-updating talent database. This gives them a clear edge, as most agencies depend on limited, third-party access to external job platforms. For employers, this seamless integration means access to unique candidates and a faster, more efficient hiring process.For more information or to start hiring smarter, visit<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/employer?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=beyond_the_salary:_these_are_the_5_things_malaysian_talents_want_">&nbsp;hiredly.com/employer&nbsp;</a>

Salary is important, but in 2025, Malaysian jobseekers want more. Learn what Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X value most—flexibility, career growth, mental health support, and more—and how employers can meet these needs to attract top talent.