More than half of Malaysians (57%) would consider quitting their jobs if their managers are not supportive of their professional development, a critical link between employee growth and employee retention.
Randstad - the world’s largest talent agency - today released its 2025 Workmonitor research data to reveal critical insights for employers. The survey found that support from the company and managers influence the success of employee retention, as talent seeks greater support to navigate the evolving landscape and enhance their skill sets.
Download the 2025 Workmonitor report to understand how fostering learning and development can be a key strategy.
Respondents in Malaysia are also more likely to quit their jobs (55%) if their managers don't take an interest in their long-term career pathway and progression. This is particularly true for younger generations, with 58% of Gen Z and Millennials indicating they would leave, compared to 41% of Baby Boomers. This underscores the importance of providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills to see a future for themselves within the organisation.
With the shortage of skilled workers, providing equal training opportunities for upskilling and re-skilling to employees has never been more important. As companies move forward with business and digital transformation, employers need to upskill and reskill their employees not just to drive greater productivity, but also to improve employee retention and overall job satisfaction.
support from managers critical for career development
malaysians are ready to embrace technology, with AI training as a top priority
In Malaysia, 35% of respondents reported that their employers did not introduce any new training programmes in the last 12 months. Employers are more likely to skip new training for older generations, as 41% of Gen X and 58% of Baby Boomers said their employers did not implement any new training programmes in the past 12 months.
Despite the lack of new training, 59% of Malaysians trust their employers to provide training opportunities that help them adapt to changing workplace demands. Gen Z workers trust their employers the most, with 66% expressing confidence, while Gen X (52%) and Baby Boomers (50%) trust their employers the least. Employers can earn the trust through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
Survey findings reveal that talent is eager to learn new skills and upskill to thrive with new technologies and secure their employment amid an evolving landscape. This proactive approach to skills development is crucial for staying competitive in the modern job market.
Employers can unlock their workforce’s full potential by ensuring age-inclusive learning strategies that help everyone grow together. Companies that invest in skills development across their organisation can be sure that their employees are more equipped and confident to grow alongside AI, which will result in an engaged and productive workforce, contributing to higher employee engagement.
trust in employers low due to lack of training
If their employers offered it, 41% of respondents in Malaysia are interested in AI training, a 12% increase from 2024. This is followed by IT and technological literacy in productivity tools and excel (39%), and management and leadership skills (32%). Addressing these interests through targeted training programmes can significantly boost job satisfaction.
employers vs. employees: differing views on upskilling and re-skilling responsibilities
About one-third of people (31%) think that it is their employers’ responsibility to upskill them in technology and AI. This sentiment is more common among older workers, with 36% of Gen X and 42% of Baby Boomers agreeing. On the other hand, 24% of respondents believe that it is their job to improve these skills, with 27% of Gen Z and Millennials leading this view.
When it comes to developing soft skills, 29% of respondents in Malaysia think employers should provide training, with Gen X and Baby Boomers (33%) feeling this way most strongly. 21% of respondents think they should improve their soft skills on their own, with 24% of Millennials agreeing. Addressing these skills gaps will require a collaborative approach.
employer's role in meeting upskilling expectations
Employers may sometimes get caught up in meeting business expectations, viewing upskilling as a distraction from productivity. However, investing in workforce development is very much a forward-thinking strategy to help employees stay competitive and relevant in their work.
Providing upskilling and re-skilling guidance and training programmes to employees today can promise a much more competent workforce that delivers results faster and adapts more agilely to evolving industry trends. In the long run, this investment pays off more than the costs of having a workforce that cannot keep up with new technologies and changing work demands.
randstad workmonitor 2025: a new standard for the modern workplace
Explore the 2025 Randstad Workmonitor survey, which reveals a new standard for the modern workplace. This report empowers employers and HR professionals to understand how to maximise their existing resources to best attract and retain talent by prioritising upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
This baseline is defined by personalised work experiences, strong community connections, and a focus on developing future-ready skills, reflecting a significant shift in what employees expect and value in their careers.
partner with randstad
As a global talent agency, we have access to the latest insights on talent expectations, hiring trends, and salary benchmarks. Hire with us to gain access to one of the largest pools of pre-screened professional talent in Malaysia. Partner with us to hire skilled talent for a more productive workforce.
If you are looking for jobs that offer opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, start by creating a job seeker account or browse our job listings to get started on your career pathway.