Jobstreet by SEEK’s Talent Attraction Lab emphasises that job security, management quality, fair leadership, and structured career pathways are key factors in attracting and retaining talent in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, 17 February 2025 – Jobstreet by SEEK has launched the Talent Attraction Lab, an innovative and data-driven interactive online dashboard designed to equip employers with critical insights into the Malaysian job market. This platform provides real-time access to in-depth research, enabling businesses to refine their hiring strategies to effectively attract and retain top talent
The Talent Attraction Lab empowers employers across Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia, to better understand jobseekers’ needs and preferences. The study, based on insights from over 33,000 candidates across APAC, including more than 14,600 in Asia, reveals that 16.6% of Malaysian jobseekers prioritise salary and compensation, making it the most crucial factor in job decisions.
Work-life balance follows closely, with 14.4% of jobseekers highlighting additional leave, fair overtime compensation, and regular daytime working hours as essential factors. This statistic showcases the growing importance of flexibility and well-being for Malaysian employees. Additionally, 13.9% of employees consider career development opportunities as important, including clear career progression, promotion prospects, and on-the-job skill development to help them make career decisions
Workplace culture and management quality play are also increasingly influencing job satisfaction, with 12.5% of employees valuing fairness, collaboration, and professionalism. Lastly, job security and market position (9.1%) rank among the top five factors influencing jobseekers’ choices, particularly for mid-career and senior professionals.
The study also highlights factors that drive employees to leave a company, such as low compensation and benefits (38.9%) and limited career growth (33.2%). Compared to 2017,management quality and workplace culture have gained importance in job satisfaction (from 10th to 8th place), reflecting a shift in expectations from both employers and employees.
As Malaysia’s job market grows increasingly competitive, employers need smarter ways to attract and identify the right talent,” said Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia. “Our latest research highlights key trends shaping the workforce, from shifting jobseeker expectations to the need for stronger employer branding. With tools like SEEK Pass, we’re enabling businesses to make faster, more confident hiring decisions by providing verified candidate credentials. This helps employers streamline recruitment, reduce hiring risks, and ultimately secure the best talent in a crowded market.
SEEK Pass, SEEK’s verified credential passport is now available across six Asian markets, including Malaysia. It allows job seekers to securely pre-verify their work credentials, helping them stand out while enabling employers to confidently shortlist candidates and accelerate recruitment on a trusted platform
To attract and retain top talent, companies should offer competitive salaries aligned with industry benchmarks and conduct regular salary reviews. Providing clear career growth opportunities, mentorship programmes, and continuous learning initiatives are essential in maintaining employee engagement. Promoting work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and additional leave benefits can further enhance job satisfaction. Additionally, fostering a strong organisational culture that prioritises fairness, collaboration, and professional development is crucial in creating a positive and productive work environment.
With live updates to insights on jobseekers’ needs, the Talent Attraction Lab dashboard empowers employers to
- Refine Employee Value Propositions (EVP) to align with market expectations
- Optimise job postings to attract high-quality candidates
- Develop stronger workplace cultures that prioritise employee well-being and professional growth
