There is
growing evidence that formal workplaces in Malaysia are feeling the pressure
from employees and broader generational shifts to offer more flexible
work-arrangements, including some days working from home (WFH).
Recent
studies show that over 70% of Malaysian employees prefer hybrid or flexible
work arrangements, viewing them as an essential part of modern employment. This
trend is especially strong among Gen Z workers, whose commitment to an employer
is closely tied to the level of flexibility offered - if they don’t get it,
they’re more likely to leave.
While some
thrive working from home - especially those with disciplined habits, clear
roles, and supportive setups — many, if not most, do not.
Why?
1. Lack of Structure and Focus
The home can
be full of distractions. Without the rhythm of regular office schedules,
commutes, and colleagues, our focus weakens. Personal time seeps into work
hours, and productivity quietly slips away. Focus is key to success.
2. Weaker Learning, Teamwork, and Shared Purpose
Work is not
only about tasks; it is also about people. We learn through observation, casual
conversations, and teamwork. Younger or newer staff lose these learning moments
when working remotely. The mentorship and coaching that naturally happen in
shared spaces are reduced. Over time, we learn less effectively and lose our
sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
3. Loss of Culture and Connection
An office is
not just a physical space; it is where company culture comes alive. Without
face-to-face interaction, trust and belonging fade. People become isolated,
less connected, and less loyal to their teams and mission.
4. Integrity and Ethics – Working Less Than
Promised
Perhaps the
most serious issue is ethical. Many who WFH end up giving less than they
promised — attending to personal matters during office hours, working shorter
days, or simply coasting. When someone is paid for eight hours but delivers
only five, that income is no longer ethical.
For those who believe in God, morality, or karma, this is no small matter. It
means we earn what is not rightfully ours — haram income for some, and
bad karma for others. Work, whether done at home or in an office, is an act of
trust. Breaking that trust breaks something deep within us.
That said, it
is understandable that some may need to work from home - single parents, those
caring for an elderly family member, or individuals facing specific personal
circumstances. WFH also makes sense for certain types of jobs or functions
where physical presence adds little value.
The key is to
be honest with ourselves and our employers about what truly works - to reflect
and ask, “Am I really cut out to work from home?”
Peace.
Anas Zubedy.
Kuala Lumpur.
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