24% of Malaysians did not receive enough upskilling & re-skilling training from their employers: Randstad Malaysia

• 37% of Malaysians fear job loss, with two in five Gen-Xers feeling pressured
• 36% would consider leaving their job for better career growth opportunities

According to a recent independent survey commissioned by Randstad Malaysia, 36% of respondents said they would consider leaving their jobs for better career growth opportunities.

The data came from its 8th Employer Brand Research report highlighting the changes in talent expectations in Malaysia, alongside workforce movements and increasing employers' demands.

Fahad Naeem (pic), Country Director at Randstad Malaysia, said: "Rapid technological advancements have transformed and redefined many job roles and responsibilities in Malaysia. This has left many employees feeling anxious about their security as immense pressure has been placed on them to adapt and integrate technology into their work. Today's employees want to work for companies that can equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to feel more prepared for the changes."

"To attract the best talent in an increasingly tight labour market, employers must stay ahead of market trends and understand workers' concerns to create meaningful upskilling and re-skilling programmes to help them be more productive at work. Companies that invest in their workforce should also promote their training capabilities and case studies to attract talent-seeking growth."

Malaysians want more support from their employers to upskill and re-skill

The survey also revealed that 81% of Malaysians consider professional development necessary, but only 61% have adequate opportunities. Examples of professional development in this context include career promotions, mentorship or exchange programmes, and networking at seminars or conferences.

Diving deeper, 85% of respondents said that upskilling and re-skilling are essential to them, but 24% did not receive enough training support from their employers.

Millennials are the most invested in upskilling and re-skilling of the generations surveyed, followed by Gen Xers and Gen Z.

Higher salaries motivate Malaysians to upskill and re-skill

From a list of 16 employee value proposition factors, Malaysians ranked "attractive salary and benefits" as an essential element they look for in an ideal employer. In the same survey, 35% of respondents said they would leave their employer for better compensation to cope with Malaysia's rising cost of living.

In January, the 2023 Randstad Employer Brand Research reached out to over 163,000 respondents across 32 markets, including 2,529 individuals based in Malaysia. This independent research gives employers a unique opportunity to discover new talent insights and measure their brand perception to improve workforce strategies.