Gen Z Workers Often Switch Jobs Within 18 Months, Says MEF

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Young Malaysian employees, particularly those in their 20s, often switch jobs within 18 months due to higher expectations for flexibility and career advancement, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said

MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said recruitment and employer data show that a significant portion of Gen Z and millennial workers plan to resign within a year of starting a job.

According to MEF's observations, this results in higher voluntary turnover among younger employees compared with other age groups.

"This trend is more noticeable after the year-end bonus period," he told The Star.

Syed Hussain said the pattern has become more pronounced in recent years due to greater labour mobility, particularly in urban areas and fast-growing sectors such as services, digital, retail, and logistics

He added that young workers today have higher expectations for faster career progression, flexibility, and meaningful work, aided by digital recruitment platforms and social media which have made job opportunities more transparent and easier to find.

However, the trend is not uniform across all industries. Syed Hussain noted that sectors with clearer career pathways, structured training, and strong employee engagement tend to record lower attrition, even among younger workers.

He said job-hopping among young employees is often driven by mismatched expectations, workplace culture issues, limited advancement opportunities, a desire to acquire skills quickly, and the growing emphasis on work-life balance.

While MEF acknowledges that some level of mobility is natural early in a career, Syed Hussain warned that frequent short-term job changes could hurt long-term employability, as employers increasingly value both depth of experience and versatility

He advised young Malaysians to look beyond salary when considering a job change and to prioritise learning and skill development.

"Stay long enough to build meaningful skills, credibility, and professional references; communicate openly with employers about your career aspirations," he advised.

He added that workers should also invest in continuous upskilling, including in digital, technical, and soft skills.

"Youths must understand that early career growth often requires patience, resilience, and gradual progression," he said.