Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A new Workplace Happiness Index by Jobstreet by SEEK found that 41% of workers in Malaysia feel burnt out or exhausted, pointing to a deeper issue behind otherwise positive workplace sentiment.
The report also noted that many workers feel overwhelmed, with some even dreading work, despite broader claims of job satisfaction.
Photo of a woman napping in a subway train after being tired from a long day at work.
Image via Imaginechina/AFP
Burnout is affecting a large share of the workforce
The findings show that stress is one of the biggest pain points for employees in Malaysia.
Only 36% of workers say they are happy with their stress levels, the lowest-rated aspect of work in the entire study.
At the same time, 41% say they feel burnt out or exhausted, just 42% are satisfied with their workload, and many say a better work-life balance would improve their happiness.
The data suggests that while employees may be coping on the surface, a significant portion are under sustained pressure.
Image via Workplace Happiness Report
Unhappy workers are twice as likely to feel burnt out
The report also highlights a clear divide between those who are happy at work and those who are not.
Among workers who say they are unhappy, 71% report feeling burnt out. By comparison, 35% of those who are happy at work say the same.
This points to a strong link between burnout and overall workplace dissatisfaction, and suggests that stress is a key factor pushing people towards disengagement.
Work-life balance is a major concern
For many workers, the issue comes down to time, energy, and expectations.
One respondent in the report said, “If I could change one thing about my working life to make myself happier, I would have a better work-life balance so I can manage work responsibilities without feeling stressed and overwhelmed.”
That sentiment reflects a broader trend in the data, where improving work-life balance ranks among the top ways employees believe their happiness could increase, second only to higher pay.
A hidden problem behind “happy” workers
The findings sit alongside a seemingly positive headline figure that 70% of Malaysians say they are happy at work.
But the burnout data suggests that the data may be masking deeper issues.
Many employees appear to be functioning, but not necessarily thriving.
The report noted that a significant group of workers feel disengaged, unsupported, or stretched too thin, even if they don’t classify themselves as outright unhappy.
Image via CAIA/Science Photo Library/AFP
Why this matters
Burnout isn’t just a personal issue; it has wider consequences for companies as well. Unhappy workers are far more likely to consider leaving their jobs, while those who are happy are significantly more motivated and engaged.
This puts pressure on employers to address workload, expectations, and workplace culture more seriously, especially as stress levels remain stubbornly high.
Malaysia’s workforce may look stable on the surface, but the strain is showing.
With more than one in three workers feeling burnt out, and many struggling with stress and workload, the challenge isn’t just keeping employees happy; it’s keeping them from burning out entirely.
Image via Adrian Weinbrecht/Connect Images/AFP