As per a recent survey conducted by UCSI Poll Research Centre, the notion of a balanced work-life scenario seems more idealistic than realistic for many Malaysians. A majority find themselves clocking in more hours than what’s generally considered the norm.
The survey suggests a disturbing trend – over half of the respondents acknowledged working more than their standard hours at least once a week. The report quoted, “An alarming 72% of participants often found themselves working outside their standard hours, with 57% doing so weekly, and a notable 15% daily.”
Furthermore, a striking number of respondents, more than 50%, admitted to working over eight hours a day. A concerning 7% even stated they worked more than 10 hours a day.
On the flip side, only 40% of respondents admitted to finding satisfaction in their work. An equally significant 28% confessed to feeling drained by their work, while 27% felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities. A smaller but notable 5% confessed to contemplating resignation.
The survey revealed the toll that long working hours take on personal lives, with 22% regularly missing personal commitments, and a majority, 54%, admitting to occasionally missing out.
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Another noteworthy revelation was the impact on sleep patterns. The study showed that a significant portion of the workforce isn’t getting sufficient rest, which could have long-term health implications. “Approximately 18% of participants sleep less than six hours, while 65% manage between six to seven hours, leaving only 17% achieving the recommended eight hours of sleep.”
Interestingly, despite the apparent struggles, about half of the respondents believed they maintain a decent work-life balance, while a quarter admitted to a poor balance.
When asked about possible solutions, respondents expressed a desire for more support concerning their physical and mental health (46%), better working hours (40%), and assistance from management in meeting personal needs (39%). They also suggested flexible schedules, realistic expectations, regular breaks, and paid time off.
The survey included 856 working adults from across Malaysia. The participants spanned various age groups and sectors, showcasing a broad representation of the Malaysian working population.
Based on an article by the Malay Mail.
