Poor work-life balance in Malaysia: What needs to change?

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia has recently been ranked poorly for work-life balance, sparking widespread concern.

This highlighted the significant challenges Malaysians were facing in balancing their professional and personal lives.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Psychology Counseling Expert Associate Professor Dr Fauziah Mohd Sa'ad suggested that there were comprehensive measures to address the matter.

To curb this, Fauziah said the government can play a pivotal role in improving work-life balance by implementing several key strategies.

She said enforcing labour laws was crucial.

Strengthening regulations on working hours, overtime and ensuring fair compensation for employees could significantly alleviate the pressure on workers, she said.

"Launching national campaigns to promote awareness about the importance of work-life balance can educate both employers and employees on the benefits of maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium," she told Sinar Daily.

Fauziah also emphasised the importance of providing incentives to companies that implemented and maintained good work-life balance practices.

By rewarding businesses that prioritised their employees' well-being, she said the government can encourage a more widespread adoption of these practices.

"Supporting flexible work policies is another essential step.

"Encouraging and facilitating the adoption of flexible working arrangements, such as remote work and adjustable hours, can help employees manage their time more effectively," she said.

Moreover, the expert said ensuring access to support services was vital.

She said expanding mental health services and wellness programmes for employees could provide the necessary support for those struggling to cope with the demands of their jobs.

Therefore, she said a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector was needed to create a more supportive and humane working environment.

She also said that the ranking was concerning as it highlighted significant challenges that Malaysians faced in balancing work and personal life.

"Promoting work-life balance programmes within companies, including wellness programmes and mental health support, can encourage a healthier work-life balance," she said.

She added that encouraging the use of vacation days and ensuring that employees could take breaks without fear of repercussions was another critical measure that could be taken.

By encouraging time off and supporting employees in taking necessary breaks, she said companies could help reduce burnout and improve overall job satisfaction among their workers.