Hannah Yeoh: Work-Life Practices A Must To Ready Malaysia For Future Of Work

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development collaborates with TalentCorp in LIFE AT WORK 2018 awards

PETALING JAYA, 11 August 2018 – Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development YB Hannah Yeoh urges Malaysian employers to step up and adapt current work, workplace and workforce capacities to meet the demands of the future of work.

Speaking to over 100 companies at the #ChatwithHannahYeoh session, an informal dialogue organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp), YB Yeoh also emphasised that creating an enabling environment for families to thrive in the workplace as a key focus of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

“Malaysia is not alone in this conversation about creating family-focused workplaces. All governments of developed and developing nations are deliberating ways to evolve their workplaces for the wellbeing of their people. The Malaysian government too, recognises work-life practices as a way to future-proof our workforce and ensure our country’s competitiveness,” she said, going on to describe flexible workplace policies and culture as key strategies to meet the demands of the future.

At the dialogue which was also attended by Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) of the Ministry of Human Resources, Dato’ Amir Bin Omar, YB Yeoh urged Malaysian employers to engage with TalentCorp on the various programmes targeted at creating a flexible, diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as encourage Malaysia’s female labour force participation.

One way to achieve a dynamic and future-proof workforce is through the implementation of work-life practices (WLPs), which create synergy between personal life and work, resulting in better productivity¹. TalentCorp’s Life At Work Survey 2017 report showed that 90 per cent of organisations in Malaysia agree on the importance of offering WLPs.

TalentCorp works with employers to implement WLPs, and to recruit and retain women on career breaks through its Career Comeback Programme.

Launch of TalentCorp’s LIFE AT WORK 2018 Awards
YB Yeoh today also launched the LIFE AT WORK 2018 awards, an annual initiative by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and TalentCorp that recognises companies with progressive workplace practices. Featuring a reputable array of alumni such as Maybank (Platinum Winner, 2016), CIMB Group (Best Malaysian Organisation, 2017), PwC Malaysia (Best International Organisation, 2017), LIFE AT WORK celebrates employers who champion the Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

First held in 2013, the LIFE AT WORK 2018 awards hopes to encourage a wider adoption of WLPs in Malaysia’s workforce through the introduction of new categories for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations.

Participants in this year’s awards will be vying for recognition in the following categories: Best Non-Profit Organisation, Best Malaysian Organisation, Best SME, Best International Organisation, CEO Champion, Best Leadership Team, Outstanding Practice, and Best New Entrant.

Submission for TalentCorp’s LIFE AT WORK 2018 awards opens on 11 August. For more information, please visit www.lifeatwork.my.

¹ Life At Work Survey 2017