Beyond the pressure: Jobstreet by SEEK report uncovers Malaysian workers' resilience and mental health awareness

• According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s 2024 Hiring, Compensation and Benefits Report, Malaysian workplaces still have work to do when it comes to overall mental health and stress support for employees

• 18% of hirers categorised their workplace as “highly stressful”, with the Consumer Services industry being the most stressful, followed by Retail and Trade

• Companies overall provide mental health / wellness talks on average 3.9 times per year, with many also looking to extend additional paternity and maternity leave, and introduce menstrual leave

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May 2024 - Jobstreet by SEEK’s recently launched 2024 Hiring, Compensation, and Benefits Report has shed light on the state of workplace mental health in Malaysia, offering valuable insights into the triggers, manifestations, and impact on employees’ well-being. According to the report, the top causes of stress for employees include a heavy workload (37%), a lack of training or support (30%), and high pressure from management / a fast-paced environment (29%).

The report, which surveyed 454 hiring professionals in Malaysia, showcases the importance of nurturing workplace mental health for a productive workforce, and that there is still work to be done by organisations locally to create supportive environments for employees.

In 2023, a study by Naluri found depression levels of employees in Malaysia to be at 55%, with anxiety levels recorded at 53%. The government is also responding with a new Occupational Mental Health First Aid (OMHFA) programme to help equip workers and employers with the tools and psychological training for early intervention. This broad investment demonstrates an urgent need for employers across the country to address mental health in the workplace. 

"Our report underscores the importance of recognising workplace mental health as both a moral obligation and a strategic investment," says Vic Sithasanan, Managing Director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia. "By prioritising mental health support, organisations not only demonstrate care for their employees but also foster a more productive and sustainable work environment."

Among the report's key findings is the assessment of organisational stress levels. While 71% of hirers rated their companies as moderately stressful workplaces, 18% were classified as highly stressful. 

Certain industries were identified as being higher stress environments, such as Consumer Services and Retail and Trade, underscoring the need for effective measures to support employee well-being and create healthier work environments.

Supporting employees' mental health is recognised as a vital need by hirers, particularly for the younger generation. However, just over one third (37%) of employers acknowledge their current efforts to be only “adequate”, indicating significant room for improvement. On a positive note, 45% of respondents reported initiating new programmes since 2023 to assist employees in managing stress. More companies are also offering mental health and wellness talks, with 32% hosting such events more than six times a year, averaging 3.9 times annually. Nonetheless, there remains a need for enhancement, as 28% of organisations only hold these talks once a year.

"Encouragingly, more companies are recognising the importance of mental health and implementing initiatives such as mental health and wellness talks," adds Sithasanan. "However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all employees have access to the support they need. To foster a supportive workplace environment, it's imperative to bolster efforts aimed at boosting employee morale and aiding those encountering stress.”

In response to evolving family dynamics and employee needs, many companies in Malaysia are also looking at extending parental leave policies to better support staff. The report indicates companies extending additional paternity and maternity leave by 12% and 11% respectively, reflecting a commitment to providing employees with adequate support during significant life events.

Despite these positive developments, challenges persist in ensuring inclusivity and support for all employees. Only 6% of companies surveyed currently provide menstrual leave, with 3% adding it to their employee benefits in 2023. However, 5% of surveyed companies plan to add menstrual leave in the next 12 months, indicating a growing awareness of this desire for staff. 

"It’s challenging for employers to continually adapt to changing employee needs and priorities, but our report shows that companies in Malaysia are mostly aware of where they can improve, and many are open to rolling out new or improved policies that align with the expectation of their workforce, added Sithasanan. 

The Jobstreet by SEEK 2024 Hiring, Compensation and Benefits report serves as a valuable resource for employers, HR professionals, and policymakers, offering data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive positive change in the Malaysian workplace.

Download the full report here.

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