More than two in five (44 percent) Malaysia-based workers have ranked ‘strong management’ as the most important EVP (employee value proposition) factor from a list of 16, according to a survey done by Randstad.

Malaysia is the only market in Southeast Asia where ‘strong management’ is being ranked in the top five most important EVP factors that respondents look for in an ideal employer.

Jaya Dass, Managing Director of Randstad Singapore and Malaysia said, “When organizations place employer brand high on their corporate agenda, they will be able to experience a positive impact to their people strategy, such as more loyal employees and faster access to skilled candidates.”

When it boils down to what really matters to the workers in Malaysia, ‘attractive salary & benefits’ remains the most important factor (64 percent), followed by ‘healthy work-life balance’ (49 percent).

It is notable that Malaysia is the only market in Southeast Asia that ranked ‘strong management’ within its top five most critical EVP when looking for an ideal employer, with 44 percent of respondents considering it important to them. 

The research highlighted a seven-point gap between respondents’ expectations of ‘healthy work-life balance’ and what companies in Malaysia are perceived to offer. Thirty (30) percent of respondents cited ‘healthy work-life balance’ as one of the top three reasons why they would apply for a job in a small-and-medium enterprise or start their own business. The top three reasons cited by 44 percent of respondents for applying to a multinational corporation are centered around financial stability, such as the company’s financial health, attractive salary, and benefits as well as job security.

The Employer Brand Research also pointed out that while Millennials and Gen-Z workers are eager to learn and develop their skills quickly, Gen-X employees and Baby Boomers are more focussed on seeking career progression opportunities.