Kuala Lumpur, 4 July 2024 – Absenteeism remains a significant challenge to productivity in Malaysia. As the country strives to improve its global competitiveness, addressing absenteeism in the workplace is crucial. The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is at the forefront of efforts to mitigate absenteeism and boost productivity across various sectors.

Absenteeism, or habitual non-attendance without valid reasons, has far-reaching implications for businesses and the economy. It leads to reduced output, increased operational costs, and lowered employee morale. The MPC has recognized the urgent need to tackle this issue to ensure a productive and resilient workforce.

"Absenteeism is a silent productivity killer. It disrupts workflows, strains resources, and affects overall business performance. Addressing it is essential for Malaysia to achieve its productivity goals," said MPC Director General, Zahid Ismail.

The MPC is implementing several strategic measures to combat absenteeism. These initiatives focus on creating a supportive work environment, enhancing employee engagement, and promoting a culture of accountability. Key strategies include:

1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Encouraging flexible working hours and remote work options to accommodate employees' personal needs and reduce absenteeism.
2. Health and Wellness Programs: Implementing comprehensive health and wellness programs to support employees' physical and mental well-being, thereby reducing sick leaves.
3. Employee Engagement Initiatives: Fostering a positive work culture through regular feedback, recognition programs, and career development opportunities to enhance job satisfaction and reduce absenteeism.

A critical aspect of reducing absenteeism is promoting a healthy work-life balance. The MPC advocates for policies that support employees in balancing their professional and personal lives. This includes providing adequate leave entitlements, encouraging regular breaks, and supporting family-friendly workplace policies.

"A healthy work-life balance is key to reducing absenteeism. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work," added Zahid.

The MPC is collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop and implement best practices for reducing absenteeism. This involves working with human resources professionals, business leaders, and policymakers to create a cohesive approach to addressing the issue. By sharing insights and strategies, the MPC aims to foster a unified effort to enhance productivity.

Education and awareness are vital components of the MPC's strategy. The organisation is conducting training programs and workshops to educate employers and employees about the importance of attendance and its impact on productivity. These programs also provide practical solutions and tools to manage and reduce absenteeism.

"Creating awareness about the impact of absenteeism is crucial. Our training programs aim to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to address this challenge effectively," emphasized Zahid.

Addressing absenteeism is integral to boosting productivity in Malaysia. The MPC is committed to leading efforts to create a supportive work environment that encourages attendance and engagement. By implementing strategic measures, promoting work-life balance, and collaborating with stakeholders, Malaysia can build a more productive and competitive economy.

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About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

MPC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). It drives national productivity holistically at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels through three main thrusts: developing future talent, driving digitization and innovation, and building a robust ecosystem. It collaborates strategically with the private and public sectors by emphasising productivity as a key agenda to boost productivity growth and national competitiveness, ultimately leading to shared well-being and prosperity.

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media@mpc.gov.my