The Malaysian government recently launched an additional tax deduction initiative for companies that adopt flexible working arrangements (FWA).
The move aims to improve the work-life balance of employees while reducing urban congestion in areas such as the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim described the initiative as an effort to foster a progressive work culture in the country.
FWA is seen as a solution to many current issues, including life stress and employee productivity.
It also provides companies with an opportunity to create a more dynamic and progressive work environment.
To date, more than 3,000 companies have participated in workshops aimed at understanding the implementation of this arrangement, indicating encouraging interest among employers.
However, despite the great potential of FWA, various questions have arisen about its effectiveness.
Data from the TalentCorp study is still needed to assess the extent to which it can increase productivity and overcome the challenges faced by companies, especially those located in rural areas or dependent on manual labor.
Will this initiative be able to spark a major transformation in the work culture in Malaysia, or is it just a policy that is not strong enough to drive long-term change?
