Employees want govt’s incentives to improve skills

By SIOW NAN YEE / Graphic By TMR

Eight in 10 employees across the world want their government to provide incentives such as tax rebates and subsidies if they choose to further develop their professional competencies.

Human services consultant firm Randstad Malaysia said the sentiment is higher in South-East Asia, as 90% believe that they should receive incentives if they remain employed or have upskilled themselves.

In Malaysia, nine out of 10 local employees expect incentives from the government for them to choose to further develop their professional competencies or remain in the workforce, according to the consultant’s quarterly Work monitor global survey.

The survey findings also showed the sentiment is higher among older and female employees in Malaysia.

The result showed 93% professional employees from 35-54 years old urge for incentives, while 87.3% in the age group of 18-34 believe in the sentiment.

Meanwhile, 92% of women have been recorded to favour incentive policy compared to 88.5% men in Malaysia.

Randstad Malaysia country director Ryan Carroll said there is a war on talent, and companies are only seeking the best from the limited local talent pool to drive business growth.

“Employees are expected to take up new courses to stay relevant and competitive in this rapid-moving environment.

“They are also more likely to demand incentives that will help them progress in their careers,” he said in a statement yesterday.

According to the survey, the more experienced professionals are more eager to receive these incentives as they are likely to pay more for training programmes to deepen their professional capabilities.

For younger population, they expect financial support from the government to acquire highly demanded skills, to retain their employment status and to potentially offset or better manage the high cost of living.

Despite being higher than the global average of 80%, Malaysia is reported as the lowest across three reviewed markets.

The human resource consulting firm revealed Singapore ranked the highest at 91.8%, followed by Hong Kong at 90.7% and Malaysia at 90.1%.

Based on the report, employees across the world generally think the government should offer incentives if they choose to further develop their professional competencies.

“I think the government should offer policy incentives, such as tax rebates and subsidies to employees if they develop professionally, learn new professional competences, or stay employable,” Carroll added.