Flexibility and childcare are game changers for a happy, productive workforce
Essential support systems, like accessible childcare, are vital for creating a workforce that can truly thrive.
Malaysia is at an exciting crossroads as it approaches Industry 4.0, and the buzz for bold changes in the workforce is getting louder every day.
At the recent She Leads 5 networking event, titled "Bold Career Move: Shift or Stay?", multi-artist Nini Marini and chartered accountant Daneena Rahman shared their thoughts on the pressing need for flexible work environments and progressive corporate strategies.
They highlighted how essential support systems, like accessible childcare, are vital for creating a workforce that can truly thrive.
Nini stressed in the discussion with a powerful call to action, emphasising that while Malaysia is technically in the age of Industry 4.0, both the government and corporations have yet to fully embrace the structural changes needed to harness its potential.
"I'm a big advocate for flexibility, and I feel that corporations, especially now, should learn to be more flexible and nimble.
“I also think governments should support this flexible approach to work—not just for men, but for women, boys, and men alike,” she said during a panel discussion at Sinar Daily’s networking event at the Karangkraf complex recently.
Nini’s insights on flexibility extended beyond just workplace dynamics to include a broader cultural shift, one that encompasses all members of society, irrespective of age or gender.
In addition to flexibility, Daneena highlighted the critical need for improved childcare support. She called for government intervention to increase the availability of qualified domestic helpers and encourage on-site childcare facilities within workplaces.
“Childcare is definitely an area where the government can do much more.
“People who can afford helpers need access to well-trained, high-quality domestic workers, so they can work with the peace of mind that their children are in good hands,” she said.
Daneena said comprehensive childcare support would enable working mothers to return to the workforce without sacrificing family responsibilities.
“For breastfeeding mothers, for instance, having nearby childcare can make a huge difference,” she added, noting that many women leave their careers prematurely due to insufficient childcare options.
She stated that many people have no choice but to rely on childcare, making it essential for the government to prioritise childcare and child support initiatives. Daneena urged the government to consider offering more incentives to employers to establish on-site childcare facilities.
She Leads 5 was a compelling blend of shared experiences, actionable advice, and heartfelt reflections that left participants inspired to re-evaluate their own career paths.
As the She Leads series continues, upcoming topics include financial literacy, fair pay, and the role of corporations in supporting women’s health, all designed to equip participants with the tools needed for personal and professional success.
