Tag: SEEK

Fair pay isn’t enough anymore, say Malaysian workers

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Competitive salaries alone are no longer enough to make Malaysian employees feel valued, with many workers now placing greater importance on recognition, career growth and workplace culture, according to Jobstreet by SEEK's latest Salary Pulse 2026 report. The study, based on responses from 1,010 employed Malaysians aged between 18 and 64, found that while 81 per cent of employees believe they are paid fairly for their current roles, only 49 per cent said they were satisfied with their salaries. The findings highlight a growing gap between perceived pay fairness and overall job satisfaction. Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia Managing Director Nicholas Lam said employees today view salary as more than just a reflection of market rates, but also as an indication of how much they are recognised, supported and valued by their employers. "Our research shows employees are making an important distinction between being paid fairly and feeling genuinely valued. Competitive salaries remain important, but workers also expect remuneration to reflect their contributions and career progression," he said. The report found that employees who were satisfied with their salaries were nearly three times more likely to feel motivated and willing to go beyond their job responsibilities. In contrast, those dissatisfied with their pay were 2.5 times more likely to be considering a new job. Beyond salary, workers were found to evaluate their compensation based on workload, recognition, career advancement opportunities and whether their income supports their desired lifestyle. The survey also revealed that Malaysian employees are unwilling to compromise on workplace values for higher pay. While 19 per cent would accept a lower job title for a 10 per cent salary increase and 21 per cent would agree to remain on call outside working hours, only three per cent said they would work in a toxic workplace for the same pay increase, while just eight per cent would join an organisation whose values did not align with their own. More than half (56 per cent) of respondents received salary increases over the past year, although most increments were modest, with 56 per cent receiving increases of up to five per cent and 30 per cent receiving between six and 10 per cent. The report also found that performance-based salary increments generated higher levels of satisfaction, with 65 per cent of recipients expressing satisfaction compared with 52 per cent of employees who received company-wide pay adjustments. Despite recognising the importance of salary discussions, only 40 per cent of respondents said they were comfortable asking for a pay rise. However, among those who did request an increase, 78 per cent were successful. Based on the findings, Jobstreet by SEEK encouraged employers to go beyond offering competitive salaries by improving transparency in pay decisions, recognising individual contributions, creating more opportunities for salary discussions and providing clearer career progression pathways to strengthen employee engagement and retention. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 – Competitive salaries alone are no longer enough to make Malaysian employees feel valued, with many workers now placing greater importance on recognition, career growth and workplace culture, according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest Salary Pulse 2026 report. The study, based on responses from 1,010 employed Malaysians aged between 18 and […]

SEEK People & Purpose Awards 2026 Honours Malaysia’s Leading Employers and HR Trailblazers

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 June 2026 - Jobstreet by SEEK honoured Malaysia’s leading employers and HR leaders at the SEEK People & Purpose Awards (SPPA) 2026, recognising organisations that are creating meaningful workplace cultures and setting new benchmarks for employee experience, wellbeing and organisational excellence. Held under the theme, “Where Work and Purpose Meet: Recognising Workplaces Malaysians Grow With”, the annual awards celebrate employers that successfully bring together people, growth and purpose to create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Building on the success of previous years, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards 2026 recognises organisations and leaders that are setting new benchmarks for workplace excellence through people-first practices, purposeful growth and measurable impact. The awards recognise excellence across three pillars: Top-Voted Employers Awards: Recognising organisations that have earned the trust and endorsement of working Malaysians through a nationwide public voting exercise conducted in partnership with Ipsos Malaysia. SEEK People & Purpose Excellence Awards: Celebrating organisations that have demonstrated outstanding employer brand and hiring performance based on market and platform data. Submission Award Categories: Honouring organisations and leaders that are driving meaningful impact through people-focused strategies and workplace practices, including: Best Employee Development Program: Recognising organisations that invest    in employee growth, learning and future-ready skills. Best Sustainable HR Practices: Celebrating employers that balance business success with employee wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability. Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awards: Recognising organisations that foster equitable opportunities and inclusive workplace cultures. Employer of the Year: Honouring organisations that demonstrate excellence across the employee experience, from leadership and culture to people development. The People Leader of the Year: Recognising leaders who have championed transformative people practices and delivered lasting organisational impact.    Together, these awards celebrate organisations that are creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow. The awards come at a time when employers are facing growing pressure to attract and retain talent amid evolving workforce expectations.  According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, purpose is now the strongest driver of workplace happiness among Malaysians, ranking ahead of compensation, flexibility and career progression. The research also found that while 70% of Malaysians report being happy at work, nearly one in three workers remain neutral or unhappy. At the same time, 41% of employees say they feel burnt out or exhausted by their jobs, while only 36% are satisfied with their stress levels. Importantly, employees who feel happy at work are three times more likely to go above and beyond in their roles and are significantly less likely to consider leaving their employer, highlighting the direct connection between employee experience and organisational performance.        demonstrating that great workplaces are built through intentional and sustained investment in people,” said Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia. “Whether it is developing future-ready talent, fostering inclusive cultures, supporting employee wellbeing or empowering leaders to bring out the best in their teams, these organisations understand that people are at the heart of business success. Their achievements show that creating meaningful employee experiences is not only beneficial for employees, but also strengthens organisational resilience, innovation and long-term growth.” Unlike many other employer awards, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards evaluate organisations through a holistic framework that combines public voting, independent judging and market performance, recognising employers not only for their intentions but also for the measurable impact of their workplace practices. As workforce expectations continue to evolve, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards celebrate employers that are redefining what great workplaces look like — proving that when people, growth and purpose come together, both employees and businesses thrive. For the full list of winners and award criteria, please visit  -- MINUTESMY 

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 June 2026 – Jobstreet by SEEK honoured Malaysia’s leading employers and HR leaders at the SEEK People & Purpose Awards (SPPA) 2026, recognising organisations that are creating meaningful workplace cultures and setting new benchmarks for employee experience, wellbeing and organisational excellence.   Held under the theme, “Where Work and Purpose Meet: Recognising […]