Workers with good work-life balance in Malaysia are at lower risk of mental health problems: DOSM

In particular, such balance can lower the chances of depression and anxiety, thus emphasising the need for work-life balance practices that promote holistic wellbeing.

Work-life balance and job satisfaction are crucial in today’s work environment. Maintaining a healthy balance not only supports employee wellbeing but also boosts overall workplace productivity.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia has written an article based on the report by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) on how workers who have a good work-life balance are at lower risk of mental health problems.

Here are some excerpts from the article:

The importance of work-life balance

Work-life balance is vital for holistic wellbeing. When work stress becomes excessive, it can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and serious health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and a weakened immune system. Left unaddressed, these problems can negatively impact a person's relationships, productivity, and overall life satisfaction.

As cited in the article, Malaysia ranked as the second worst country for work-life balance out of 60 nations in the Global Work-Life Balance Index 2024. This highlights an urgent need for change.

Maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life helps individuals manage stress more effectively, improve mental health, and prevent chronic burnout. It also enables them to spend quality time with loved ones, engage in fulfilling hobbies, and maintain physical health through regular exercise and proper rest.

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential — not just for individual wellbeing, but for the long-term health of organisations and society as a whole.

Challenges in maintaining work-life balance

Striking a healthy work-life balance is increasingly difficult due to several modern-day challenges:

Key obstacles include:

1. Constant connectivity: Smartphones and emails blur boundaries between work and personal time.
2. High job demands: Competitive industries often push employees to work long hours, leaving little time for themselves and their families.
3. Overtime culture: A workplace that glorifies overworking pressures employees to sacrifice personal wellbeing.
4. Lack of employer support: Without initiatives for employee well-being, mental and physical exhaustion can set in, impacting both productivity and satisfaction.

To address this, the article affirmed that employees must set clear boundaries, while employers should foster a flexible, wellbeing-focused work culture.

Strategies to achieve work-life balance

Achieving work-life balance, both for individuals and organisations, requires intentional strategies. Effective time management is key — this includes creating a structured work schedule, prioritising tasks, and minimising unnecessary overtime. Setting clear boundaries between work hours and personal time, along with allocating time for rest and recreational activities, can significantly reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.

Flexible working arrangements are also a critical part of the equation. In a 2020 survey, 73% of workers expressed a preference for remote or flexible work, indicating that most employees prioritise work-life balance over a high salary. This shift in employee expectations underscores the importance of offering flexibility in how, when, and where work is done.

Employers can further support balance by providing paid leave, hybrid work options, and sufficient rest periods. A supportive work culture that values employee wellbeing not only boosts motivation and satisfaction but also reduces the risk of burnout.

Ultimately, achieving true work-life balance calls for a joint commitment between employees and employers to create a healthier, more fulfilling way to live and work.

In short, work-life balance is essential for enhancing mental health, boosting productivity, and improving overall quality of life. When individuals are able to manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing, they become more engaged, motivated, and effective at work.

Employers play a vital role in this by fostering a supportive environment — offering flexible work arrangements, paid leave, hybrid options, and adequate rest periods. These measures not only benefit employees but also drive organisational performance and sustainability.

Ultimately, achieving work-life balance requires a collaborative effort. When both employees and employers commit to creating healthier work dynamics, it leads to greater job satisfaction, reduced stress, and long-term success for individuals and organisations alike.

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