Almost every Malaysian employee expects to get a pay rise next year, according to Randstad's latest Workmonitor Report for
fourth quarter released today.

This figure is among the highest from a global survey of 14,780 employees from 32 countries, with respondents across the region less confident about their prospects of a pay rise in China (82 per cent), Singapore (76 per cent), Australia (75 per cent), New Zealand (69 per cent) and Japan (42 per cent).

Randstad Malaysia Director Jasmin Kaur said this sentiment was in line with the solid financial performance of businesses across Malaysia, with four in five (82 per cent) of employees surveyed indicating their company performed well this year despite the global economic challenges.

"Workers are shouldering a heavier workload and expecting to be compensated in recognition of their efforts this year," she said.

At the same time, respondents are not happy with the heavier workload, with 95 per cent of respondents indicating that they want a better work life balance in the upcoming year, Jasmin Kaur said.

To ensure continued productivity in the workplace, employers need to create a smart work culture so that employees will not become "burnt out", she said.

"Processes, people roles and responsibilities should be reviewed to pinpoint why employees are working such long hours. Once the problem is identified, a solution is easier to be found," she said.

The survey of 405 Malaysian employees also highlighted that seven in 10 (71 per cent) of employees expect to receive a gift this year such as a Christmas package or gift voucher and 94 per cent expect to receive a one-time financial reward.

Jasmin Kaur said it was important for employers to recognise the hardwork their staff have put in this year especially given Malaysia's tight labour market and heated war for skills.

According to the report, by offering rewards and incentives, business leaders are more likely to motivate and retain their top-performing employees, she said.

However, it is also important for employers to balance the different motivations of their employees, she said.

While some are satisfied with monetary incentives, other employees may prefer receiving leadership or career development as an employee benefit, the report said.

The survey also found that Malaysians are more likely to make a new year's career resolution (80 per cent) than their Singaporean (61 per cent), Japanese (42 per cent) or Australian (37 per cent) colleagues.

The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in the Netherlands in 2003 and now covers 32 countries around the world, encompassing Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

It is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time.

The Workmonitor Mobility Index, which tracks employee confidence and captures expectations surrounding the likelihood of changing employers within a six-month timeframe, provides a comprehensive understanding of job market sentiments and employee trends.

Randstad is one of the world's largest recruitment and human resource service providers, with Asia-Pacific operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Australia and New Zealand. -- Bernama