PETALING JAYA: A company’s prosperity must be shared fairly with its workers to ensure retention and long-term growth, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said companies must adapt to modern workforce demands, as employees today value progressive work policies as much as wages.
“Surveys have shown that while salary is still important, almost 40% of workers said they also look for progressive practices when finding a job.
“This includes things like flexible work arrangements, work-life balance and having a positive working environment, among other key factors people consider when job hunting,” he said.
Sim said this in his speech at a ceremony marking the signing of the 2025 collective agreement between Star Media Group and the National Union of Journalists yesterday.
Sim said such progressive policies are key to retaining skilled workers.
While the government can fix institutional issues to improve the economy, retaining talent ultimately depends on how Malaysian companies compete with their foreign counterparts, he said.
Sim urged companies to implement progressive policies not just for their own benefit but for Malaysian society as a whole.
“Even as we discuss AI and billion-ringgit investments, we must remember that the country isn’t defined just by engineers or coders, but also by everyday workers.
“If you take care of your workers, pay them well and treat them with respect, you’ll have staying power,” he said.
Sim also reminded employers that this is not a zero-sum game.
“To truly thrive, prosperity must be shared fairly with workers who helped build the company and ultimately the nation.
“The brain drain problem is not just the government’s responsibility alone; it requires effort from all of society and all industries,” he added.
