A recent survey conducted by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) showed that most employers in the country are not ready to implement four-day work weeks, as shared by Berita Harian.
The survey, conducted last April, found that 60% out of 170 companies without shift work and 78.6% out of 112 companies with shift work do not plan to practice shorter work weeks.
Additionally, 55% out of 111 companies and 38.3% out of 162 companies, both with shift work, agreed that they are unable to implement the policy as the working hours per week will be shortened from 48 hours to 45 hours, in line with the amendment to the Employment Act 1955 which will come into effect on September 1.
Only 20.4% of companies without shift work and 11.7% of companies with shift work stated the possibility of implementing four-day work weeks.
MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said among the challenges faced by employers to implement the policy included the issue of overtime, work schedules and customer needs, and different workforce factors.
“A total of 65% of companies are of the view that customer service may be affected if working hours of four days a week are implemented,”
“Companies also have to face the issue of production costs or bear high wages because they have to pay overtime wages,” he explained.
Netizens have since taken to Samudera.my’s Twitter thread to share their opinions on this matter.
While some believe that four-day work weeks are unnecessary, others insist that MEF should consider the needs of employees.
“Want to get 5 days a week worth of work is already so difficult. And want to give 4 days a week? Dream on.”
“With MEF, everything also they’ll say not ready. Want to raise employees’ wages to give them some dignity also not ready. Want to work from home during MCO also they said they are not ready. Everything also not ready.”
“As long as it benefits the workers, it is certain they will not support it.”
What do you think of the idea of four-day work weeks? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: HR Ministry: Employees Can Apply For Flexible Work Arrangements Starting From Sept 1
