Cover image via Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu/AFP & Workplace Happiness Report 2025
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Around seven in 10 workers in Malaysia say they're happy at work, but that headline figure doesn't tell the full story
A new Workplace Happiness Index by Jobstreet by SEEK found that while 70% of employees report being "somewhat" or "extremely" happy, a significant portion are still dealing with stress, burnout, and underlying dissatisfaction.
In fact, nearly one in three workers fall into the neutral or unhappy category, suggesting that workplace happiness in Malaysia remains far from settled.
Most Malaysians feel positive about their jobs — on paper
According to the report, 23% of workers say they are extremely happy, while 47% describe themselves as somewhat happy.
Meanwhile, 68% say they find their jobs fulfilling, with many also feeling valued at work.
This overall sense of satisfaction appears consistent across different regions in Malaysia, suggesting similar workplace experiences regardless of location.
However, the data also shows gaps: 24% feel neutral, while 6% report being unhappy, indicating a sizeable group that is not fully engaged.
The biggest red flag: stress and burnout
Despite the generally positive outlook, stress stands out as the weakest-rated aspect of work.
Only 36% of workers say they are satisfied with their stress levels, the lowest score across the study.
At the same time:
- 41% say they feel burnt out or exhausted
- Just 42% are satisfied with their workload
- Many say better work-life balance would significantly improve their happiness
The report also highlights a stark divide: workers who are unhappy at work are twice as likely to feel burnt out compared with those who are happy.
In other words, even if overall sentiment appears stable, a large number of employees are quietly struggling.
People like their colleagues and roles, but not everything else
When it comes to what Malaysians enjoy most about work, the top factors are relatively consistent:
- 69% are happy with their work location
- 65% are happy with their colleagues
- 65% are satisfied with their day-to-day responsibilities
These are the aspects of the job people typically have more control over, or at least agreed to upfront.
But satisfaction drops when it comes to things like:
- Salary (55%)
- Managers (55%)
- Career progression (54%)
- Senior leadership (53%)
This suggests that while day-to-day work is largely manageable, broader organisational issues are where frustrations start to build.
According to the Jobstreet survey, salary matters, but it's not the main driver of happiness
Interestingly, the report challenges a common assumption: money isn't the biggest factor behind workplace happiness.
While 57% of workers say a higher salary would make them happier, the data shows something else matters more — purpose.
The top drivers of happiness are:
- Purpose at work
- Day-to-day responsibilities
- Company values
- Company culture
- Managers and leadership
This means employees are more likely to stay engaged when they feel their work has meaning — not just when they're paid well.
Why this matters for employers
The findings point to a clear trade-off.
On one hand, Malaysia's workforce appears relatively satisfied. On the other hand, stress and burnout are gradually eroding that happiness. And that has real consequences.
Happy workers are:
- Three times more likely to go above and beyond
- 37% less likely to look for a new job
Meanwhile, unhappy workers are far more likely to consider leaving.
Malaysia's workplace story isn't one of outright dissatisfaction, but it's not entirely healthy either
Most people are getting by, even doing okay.
But underneath that, a significant number are stretched thin, overworked, and not fully engaged. And if that imbalance isn't addressed, the 70% "happy" figure may not hold for long.
