PETALING JAYA: Gen Z and millennials will make up more than 70% of Malaysia’s workforce by 2025, according to a survey by global advisory, broking and solutions company WTW.
It found that Gen Z are more likely to pursue careers based on passion and professional fulfilment, with job security no longer a primary focus.
Gen Z are defined as the generation born between 1997 and 2012, coming right after the millennials.
“Understanding the emerging group of Gen Z employees has become paramount.
“Organisations that move towards providing greater work flexibility, including offering a choice of remote, onsite or hybrid working, will attract and retain more talent,” said WTW South-East Asia and Malaysia head of work and rewards Tan Juan Jim.
He said these younger employees are looking for positions that satisfy their needs for flexibility and control over their own destiny.
Tan said they also favour jobs with scalability of earning through their efforts and which provide a sense of purpose.
“Winning the talent race will require employers to leverage analytics to understand their current workforce and forecast the future workforce within their organisation,” he said.
The survey had over 600 companies in Malaysia participating and was released in January this year.
Although Gen Z work differently, they bring new and creative ideas to their workplaces, said marketing executive Angelina Wong, 24.
“We bring new perspectives on work-life balance and inclusivity,” she said.
Wong also prefers non-traditional work hours, placing hybrid and remote work as her top priorities in choosing her job.
“Salary, opportunities for career progression and recognition for contributions are very important,” she said.
While Gen Z employees may face negative perceptions from older generations, she said empathy and mutual communication can enhance compatibility.
Final-year university student Wan Nor Fatimah Wan Mohd Fadzlullah, 22, said Gen Z are capable of adapting quickly, and engaging with current trends and affairs.
“We are also unafraid to speak our minds,” she said.
Senior finance executive Meshvinny Nelson, 25, said a balance should be struck between different generations.
“Pointing fingers and choosing which generation is better, especially in the workplace, can become very toxic,” she said.
Human Resource executive Rinnah Loh, 25, said Gen Z employees are technology-savvy and strive for more efficient working practices.
She said good working synergy depends more on the individual than the generational gap.
“There should be mutual trust and a progressive mindset. Employees should be given autonomy in their work rather than redundant tasks,” she said.
