Workers in Malaysia are more interested in work-life balance than securing higher pay or career advancement, according to a global survey by Kelly Services.

“The Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) survey found that 67% of workers in Malaysia said a work-life balanced career would interest them more than higher pay. That compares with 57% in Singapore, 65% in China and 76% in Thailand,” said Kelly Services in a statement.

It added that 54% of workers in Malaysia are likely to give up higher pay for a more flexible work schedule, compared with 45% in Singapore and 38% in China.

Kelly Services Malaysia managing director Melissa Norman said that while pay is a key driver of employee attraction and retention, other factors are also important. “While there is no mistaking that pay is a key driver of employee attraction and retention, workers also value professional growth and personal fulfilment, and are often willing to make sacrifices to achieve them.”

On management style, employees prefer collaboration, teamwork and flexible work arrangements. Least appealing are firms with highly individualised structures and traditional nine-to-five schedules.

In terms of geographic footprint, 68% of Malaysian employees would prefer to work for a global company while only 5% want to work for a national or regional firm. There is a strong preference for employers with an established track record, and reluctance to work for start-up businesses and “micropreneurs”.

“With a strong brand name and corporate image, global companies possess the resources and capital to offer their employees job stability and a standard set of operating procedures that have been tried and tested. This attracts jobseekers”, Melissa added.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index surveyed about 230,000 people across 31 countries, including more than 3,000 workers across the Asia-Pacific.