55% of local respondents said that their experience with their current employer during the pandemic motivated them to continue working for their firm in the long run. This percentage is the highest in the region, with Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore trailing at 33%, 34% and 37% respectively. 

Randstad - the world’s leading human resources solutions agency - today released the results of the H1 2021 Workmonitor survey in Malaysia. The annual survey highlights the greatest concerns and challenges candidates are currently facing in the employment market. 

why are workers loyal to their employers? 

The uncertainties may have brought forth the loyalty of employees. The companies’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and additional support that they offered their employees in the past year had helped establish and strengthen the emotional connection between workers and companies.

Any doubts about their employer’s ability and capacity to support their growth and well-being have been clarified in recent times. If anything, the pandemic has highlighted employer’s care for their people. The company’s efforts have positively encouraged more Malaysian employees’ to remain committed to their employer for the long-term. 

companies have proactively implemented safety and welfare measures since the start of the pandemic

As the nation pulls together to keep the outbreak under control, the safety and well-being of employees have been weighing on everyone’s minds. During this period of time, we have seen many firms implement strict workplace protocols and policies, as well as programmes to engage and upskill their workers. These initiatives have given employees more reasons to stick by their employer through good and bad times.

During this challenging time, employers should be present and show genuine concern for their employees’ welfare. Take the time to reach out to your employees not just for work, but also try to understand how they are dealing with the pandemic and provide necessary support to ensure their mental and physical well-being.

top 5 initiatives that employers have implemented for their workers

Strict and clear protocols for on-site and remote working 65%
Policies on work hours to help workers keep a proper work-life balance
43%
Regular surveys of employees about their well-being and perception of the organisation
32%
More training around technology
26%
Support programmes to help their employees improve their skills or to adapt to the new work environment and job market
20%

37% of respondents need further support for a healthy work-life balance when working remotely 

Of the local respondents who were working from home during the pandemic, 37% said that it was difficult to maintain work-life balance. Although the survey has revealed that 43% of employers have initiated HR policies on working hours, 39% of respondents still hoped their employers would implement more of such policies to support their professional development and job stability.

importance of work life balance
importance of work life balance

The resurgence of new COVID-19 cases in the past months has proved that minimising commute and physical interactions are critical in keeping people safe. Instead of waiting for cases to dip below a certain threshold to return to work, employers should implement long-term HR policies to adjust to the new way of work. This would include developing a highly-integrated work-life balanced environment as well as new engagement opportunities and initiatives to help their employees ease into the new normal. 

To improve their employer brand reputation and perception, as well as employees’ job satisfaction, organisations can consider offering work-from-home allowances or online training programmes to upskill their employees.

initiatives that malaysian workers want to see more from their employers

Allowance for remote working 39%
Support programmes to improve their skills or to adapt to the new work environment and job market
33%
Financial assistance programmes for workers who must spend more of their income for childcare and other family obligations
26%

The Randstad 1H Workmonitor survey was conducted in March 2021 across 34 markets around the world with a minimum of 400 respondents in each market.

As the employment landscape shifts, employers should revamp their employment engagement to boost their talent retention and foster employees’ loyalty. 

If you are looking to arm your workforce with a set of skilled talent pools, you can get in touch with us.

 

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