KUALA LUMPUR – If you need more reason to invest in wellness initiatives for your employees in Malaysia, then look no further: new research revealed a growing number of workers in the country are grappling with health issues such as burnout in the workplace.

As many as 2 in 3 workers (67%) are dealing with burnout, with the percentage rising from 58% back in 2022. This increase suggests conditions in the workplace have become more toxic in the years since the pandemic, a study from HR software firm Employment Hero showed.

Occupational burnout – like what is experienced by most workers in Malaysia – stems from prolonged or chronic workplace stress that has been ignored or not properly addressed. Often, there is a disparity between a person’s physical and psychological resources and the demands of their job, according to the World Health Organization.

Younger workers such as Millennials (69%) and Gen Z (64%) bear the brunt of toxic work environments, findings from Employment Hero showed. Overall, more than half (55%) of people who struggle with burnout attribute the condition to poor work-life balance.

Read More: 9 practical ways to fight workplace burnout

Growing preference for flexible work

Malaysia and Singapore are among the first countries in Southeast Asia to have introduced legislation supporting flexible work arrangements (FWA). In fact, recent updates to Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955, particularly under Part XIIC, offer provisions for workers to request FWA, such as:

• Flexible start and end times
• Work-from-anywhere
• Four-day work week options

The study on burnout found nearly 9 in 10 knowledge workers in Malaysia aim to work remotely at least once a week.

Read More: Burning out or fizzling out?

“The findings of our 2024 Wellness at Work Report clearly shows that it’s time for employers to consider embracing remote working and flexible arrangements more fully,” said Ben Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Employment Hero.

“By offering remote work and flexibility, employers can help their teams achieve a better work-life balance, reduce burnout, and improve overall job satisfaction,” Thompson said.

For employees who are said to have better work-life balance, the results vary depending on their work location. The following groups reported feeling more positive about work flexibility:

• 58% of fully remote employees
• 44% of hybrid employees
• 42% of in-office employees

Read More: BCG uncovers the global burnout crisis

Are employers doing enough to support employees?

Despite initial challenges, such as employers’ resistance to new scheduling and modes of work and fears around a possible decline in productivity, companies are starting to see the value of FWA in nurturing employees.

More than half (52%) of Malaysian workers surveyed gave their employers an above-average rating for their efforts to improve employee health and well-being. Meanwhile, nearly 4 in 5 workers report a positive relationship with their managers.

“Supporting our employees’ well-being not only helps them but also contributes to a more productive and motivated workforce,” Thompson said.