Flexible Working Arrangements, Work Life Balance and Women in Malaysia

Abstract

Structural changes in the economic transformation of Malaysia from an agricultural-based to an industrial-based economy after the 1970s, were accompanied by an increase in the employment of women. This resulted in two predominant trends: firstly, an increase in dual earner families and secondly, the number of female university students surpassed males. However, due to the difficulty of juggling work and home, there has been a low female labour force participation of less than 48 percent in recent years. Trying to reconcile the issue of work and home, many economists and policy makers argue that workplace flexibility could be a major tool to retain talent and women in the labour market. This study uses evidence from a primary survey conducted among 14 organisations in the services industry in the central business hub in Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires were answered by women on their perception of the relationship between flexible working arrangements and work life balance. We conclude that flexible working arrangements are preferred by women who are more educated and earning a higher income while the MANOVA analysis shows that flexible working arrangements have the potential to achieve work life balance.