KUALA LUMPUR: Business firms should be allowed to decide on the kind of flexible working arrangements that meet their needs, and not be dictated to about such arrangements, says the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).
MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman said businesses varied from one to another, ranging from manufacturing, construction and plantations to banking, tourism and hotels, and the retail trade.
Each business is different and has unique structures and production needs. Some are locally based, some internationally based and governed by various rules and regulations.
“One must understand this before seeking to change the existing system of work. It should be recognised that not all businesses change and not all processes can change,” he said in a statement today.
“The final decision really depends on the industry and conditions of the particular business,” he said.
Syed Hussain said among the challenges in implementing flexible working arrangements was a lack of commitment from top management.
He said a lack of engagement among employees may lead to lower productivity and a higher attrition rate, with confidential data or information being compromised.
He hoped the government would provide clear guidance on the rights and obligations of organisations in dealing with requests for flexible working arrangements, and with rejection of such applications.
His statement came in response to changes in the Employment Act which come into force on Sept 1.
Employees who want to work on a flexible basis could apply to do so with their employers under the new laws, deputy human resources minister Awang Hashim said recently.
Applications must be made in writing and could cover changes in working hours, working days and also the place of work.
Syed Hussain said many organisations were adopting new working systems as the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were eased.
A study by the United Nations Development Programme in Malaysia and TalentCorp showed that 92% of employees surveyed had said they would like to have regular arrangements to work from home.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/06/25/flexi-work-should-be-decided-by-businesses-says-bosses-group/