(Front row, from left) TalentCorp vice president Mahuran Saro Sariki, Human Resources Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Datuk Norison Ramli, deputy minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Sim, secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusoff, Wong and TalentCorp deputy chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar celebrating together with the award winners at the recent Life At Work Award (LAWA) 2024 event. — Photos by CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
IN A 2022 study titled Impact of employees’ workplace environment on employees’ performance: a multi-mediation model by Zhenjing Gu et al, results showed that a positive work environment helps improve employee performance.
It also revealed that a positive work environment can improve an employee’s commitment level and achievement-striving ability significantly, which in turn boosts employee performance.
Studies like this enforces the importance of building a conducive workspace where employees feel empowered and protected.
Improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has been championed as a strategic business priority thanks to its proven capacity to drive innovation, foster a more inclusive workplace culture and enhance organisational performance.
Award for best employer
In order to encourage more businesses and companies to form such a working environment, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) has an award that recognises employers that promote progressive working environment while showing their commitment towards greater DEI.
It is an effort to drive a better working environment in Malaysia and TalentCorp’s dedication to attract and retain high quality talent and professionals in the workforce.
“For over a decade, TalentCorp has been driving Malaysia’s talent agenda, and Life At Work is a key part of that mission.
“It is about inspiring organisations to lead by example, to step up and demonstrate that DEI and sustainability aren’t just good strategies – they’re essential for the future,” said TalentCorp chairman Wong Shu Qi.
“The benefits of participating in Life At Work Awards are clear. It positions your organisation as a leader in DEI and sustainability, attracts top talent, boosts employee engagement, and creates opportunities to learn from and connect with like-minded, progressive organisations.”
TalentCorp, which is the national agency that focuses on talent strategy under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), launched the inaugural Life At Work Awards (LAWA) in 2013.
The award ran consecutively until 2019, then was paused briefly from 2020 to 2022 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. It resumed last year with over 100 submissions that culminated in a memorable awards night on Oct 18.
This year, TalentCorp hosted the LAWA 2024 on the evening of Nov 20, at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, with the theme of “Celebrating excellence in DEI for a sustainable work, workplace and workforce”.
Submissions process
LAWA 2024 received a record high participation of over 200 organisations and 713 award submissions from the various sectors.
The call for submissions began on June 20 and closed on Sept 6, while the internal judging proceeded from Sept 9 to Oct 4.
As part of the judging session, selected submissions also require the participants to present a pitch to the judges and that took place from Oct 15-17.
The award expanded its scope from eight award categories last year to 14 this year, with new additions being Technology for Inclusion, Green Technology Innovation, Environmental Practices, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Employee Care and Well-being.
The event was graced by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who mentioned that LAWA is in alignment with the Malaysia Madani vision, which aims for an inclusive society and economy.
He said that such initiatives are pivotal in achieving the targeted 60% women’s workforce participation as per the Madani Economy framework, which is crucial for equity and economic growth.
“This represents a significant improvement and sets a new record compared to the previous year’s LAWA Awards 2023, TalentCorp received only 100 entries,” said Sim.
“This development proves that more and more companies and individuals in Malaysia are now adopting DEI principles in the workplace.
“In a Madani society, diversity is celebrated and no one will be left behind.
“Especially the poorest, the lowliest, and the lost,” Sim added.
He further mentioned that the award is not merely a trophy, but a recognition that helps companies attract and retain the best talent to continue to thrive.
“This effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting DEI principles in the workplace, with this award inspiring more companies to implement DEI practices, in line with the focus on the 3Ks of KESUMA: wellbeing, skills and productivity.”
Winners’ lot
Winners of LAWA will become inspirational benchmarks for other organisations that seek to improve their own sustainable workplace practices for their employees and to champion DEI.
They are able to use the award’s brandmark as a seal of approval that verifies their excellence for creating an inclusive and/or sustainable workplaces, workforces and work.
The award is also important as it advocates workplace excellence and employee well-being, as it serves to shape the future of work.
It represents a testament of TalentCorp’s support to the government’s objective to encourage women’s participation in the workforce.
Importance of DEI
The reason why there is so much emphasis on DEI or increasing the role of women in companies is because it encourages innovation by inculcating an inclusive space where employees can concentrate on improving their performance.
Productivity increases when employees feel fulfilled at work, with flexible working hours and offered career growth opportunities and good compensation.
Teams that are diverse offer different perspectives, experiences and ideas, which leads to more creative solutions and better decision-making.
They are likely to come up with more innovative ideas and encourage open communication, where those involved are comfortable to express their ideas.
Eventually, employees become more invested in the company as they feel valued and respected, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
With a strong DEI reputation LAWA winners can attract top talents from diverse backgrounds that only help to enrich the company’s workforce.
A new mindset
Furthermore, as the workforce gets younger, the workplace should reflect the expectations of the new generation.
Soon the Gen Z (those born in 1997 to 2007) will emerge as the largest generation to flood the job market.
Like each generation that precedes them, they bring a special characteristic to the workspace; similarly Gen Zs are uniquely distinct in their talent for technology and their range of skills, ambitions and values.
Their progressive mindset makes them invaluable for future businesses as the world embraces digital innovation and cultural agility even more.
They generally work for more than just a paycheck, placing importance on work-life balance and personal well-being. Most Gen Zs are said to seek flexibility and diversity at the workplace to improve their productivity.
With such diversity affecting the job market in the near future, companies should start considering how to adopt and adapt to these changes.
Through LAWA and TalentCorp, companies show how they are able to embrace and demonstrate their DEI at the workplace agenda in line with the demands of the Future of Work, Workplace, and Workforce. Doing so should help create a better working environment for all in Malaysia.
TalentCorp extends its hearty congratulations to all LAWA winners past and present. It encourages organisations to adapt DEI and sustainability within the workplace.
To know more about LAWA or to find out who the Winners of LAWA 2024 are, visit www.lifeatwork.my/
