Malaysian workers are prioritising flexibility and 2 in 5 are willing to resign if required to work more frequently in the office, according to research from Randstad Malaysia.

This trend of being ready to quit is particularly strong among younger generations, with nearly half of Gen Z (49%) and Millennials (47%) opposed to inflexible work arrangements.

Meanwhile, Randstad found that when compared to six months ago, 52% of Malaysians said that their employers expect them to be in the office more, 17% higher than the global average.

It comes as 2 in 5 Malaysians said they have made life changes, such as relocating or getting pets, in anticipation of continued flexible work options after the pandemic.

Despite the rise of remote work, the majority of Malaysians (86%) would work from the office at least three days a week if given the choice to choose.

While talent in Malaysia expects work flexibility, the reality is different with Randstad’s research showing that 1 in 2 respondents indicated that their employers have introduced mandatory five-day office work policies.

Separately, Randstad’s research showed that diversity and equity are important to the younger generations, with 52% of Malaysians would not accept a job if the company is not proactive in improving diversity and equity. Over half of Gen Z’ers (59%) and 54% of Millennials shared the same sentiment. 

Randstad also found that 67% of Malaysians said that they hide aspects of themselves at work, which may prompt them to look for organisations that provide them with a safe environment where they can be themselves. 

Respondents to Randstad’s survey ranked the top five most important equity, diversity, and inclusion policies in their current and future employment as: diverse backgrounds in leadership (47%), gender pay equity (45%), diverse workforce (44%), family leave for all employees (40%), and non-discrimination policies (on the website/in job ads) (31%).