Why you SHOULD NOT work too much (The Malaysian work culture)

Summary

Malaysia's strong work ethic has driven economic growth since the 1950s, but it comes at a cost. The nation's 48-hour workweek, longer than the global average, contributes to overwork and burnout. Despite predictions of becoming the 21st largest economy by 2050, Malaysia faces high stress levels, health issues, and significant productivity losses. Studies show a need for better work-life balance, with shorter work hours potentially boosting productivity and employee well-being, as seen in trials in New Zealand and the UK.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Malaysia's economy has been growing steadily since the 1950s, but the work culture is taking a toll on the health and productivity of its workforce.
• 🕒 The Malaysian Employment Act sets a 48-hour workweek, which is longer than the global average of 40-44 hours, with Malaysians working 12 hours more per week compared to Australians.
• 🔄 Malaysian workers are expected to be responsive to work matters even outside their contracted hours, unlike some countries where such expectations are legally restricted.
• 🏆 Despite the long hours, Kuala Lumpur was ranked the 4th most overworked city globally, highlighting the intensity and lack of institutional support.
• 🚶‍♂️ Malaysian workers receive significantly fewer vacation days compared to other cities, with only 8 days minimum compared to Helsinki's 30 days.
• 💔 Overworking in Malaysia leads to an average loss of 73.3 days of productivity per employee per year due to stress and health-related absences, costing companies around 1.46 million Malaysian ringgit monthly.
• 🤯 High levels of passive-aggressive behavior and work-related stress are prevalent among Malaysian employees, with 51% exhibiting stress in a 2019 survey.
• 💤 Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and an unbalanced diet are common among Malaysian workers, contributing to decreased productivity and health issues.
• 🆚 In contrast, Australian workers enjoy better sleep, regular exercise, and experience less productivity loss, highlighting the impact of work-life balance.
• 🛑 The belief that longer office hours equate to better efficiency is outdated and detrimental, with evidence showing overworking's negative effects on businesses.
• 🌱 Trials of a four-day workweek in New Zealand and the UK have shown increased productivity and happiness, suggesting shorter workweeks could benefit Malaysian businesses as well.
• 🛠 Small changes in Malaysian work culture, such as better communication, delegation, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, could improve productivity and save companies money.

Q & A

What is the average workweek length defined by the Malaysian Employment Act?

The Malaysian Employment Act defines a workweek as 48 hours of work per week.

How does the average workweek in Malaysia compare to the global average?

Malaysia's workweek is considerably higher than the global average, which is between 40 and 44 hours per week.

How many more hours per week do Malaysians work compared to Australians?

Malaysians are thought to work 12 hours more each week compared to Australians.

What is the ranking of Kuala Lumpur in terms of being overworked according to a recent study?

Kuala Lumpur was declared the 4th most overworked city worldwide in a study released last year.

How does the minimum vacation offered to Malaysian capital employees compare to Helsinki?

Malaysian capital employees are awarded only 8 days of minimum vacation, while workers in Helsinki get a minimum of 30 days holiday each year.

What is the average number of days of productivity lost per employee per year in Malaysia due to stress and health-related absences?

In Malaysia, 73.3 days of productivity are lost on average per employee per year due to stress, illness, and health-related absences.

What is the financial cost of productivity loss in Malaysia per month for companies?

The financial cost of productivity loss is believed to cost Malaysian companies around 1.46 million Malaysian ringgit each month.

What percentage of Malaysian employees surveyed in 2019 exhibited work-related stress?

51% of employees surveyed in 2019 exhibited one or more dimensions of work-related stress.

How does the percentage of Malaysian employees getting less than 7 hours of sleep each night compare to Australian employees?

53% of Malaysian employees reported getting less than 7 hours of sleep each night, compared to 74% of Australian employees who get a good night's sleep.

What are some of the small changes that Malaysian businesses can make to improve their work culture?

Small changes include better communication, learning to delegate tasks, eliminating unnecessary time spent in the office, and encouraging a healthy mindset, better sleep, and more physical activity.

What are the potential benefits of a four-day workweek as seen in trials in New Zealand and the UK?

Trials of a four-day workweek have shown that happier workforces are more productive, able to produce the same output as during a five-day workweek and even save businesses upwards of 20% on their electricity bills when the office is closed for an extra day.