70% of Malaysian workers report happiness at work, but burnout and stress persist: Report

A majority of Malaysian employees say they are happy at work, but rising stress and burnout continue to cloud the workplace experience, according to the latest Workplace Happiness Index by Jobstreet by SEEK.

The survey, which gathered responses from around 1,000 working adults aged 18 to 64 in Malaysia, found that 70% of workers describe themselves as happy in their jobs. A similar proportion said they feel valued at work, while 68% reported finding their roles fulfilling.

Despite these positive signals, the report highlights a clear underlying challenge: employee wellbeing is under pressure. Only 36% of respondents said they are satisfied with their stress levels, while 41% reported feeling burnt out or exhausted.

Three in 10 workers remain either neutral or unhappy about their jobs, underscoring a gap between general job satisfaction and day-to-day workplace experience.

Purpose and workplace environment drive happiness

The findings suggest that workplace happiness is shaped less by compensation alone and more by everyday work experience. 

Around 69% of respondents said they are happiest with their workplace environment, while 65% cited colleagues and daily responsibilities as key contributors to satisfaction.

A strong sense of purpose also emerged as a central factor, with 64% of workers saying they are satisfied with the meaning they derive from their jobs. The report notes that purpose is one of the strongest drivers of long-term workplace happiness across surveyed markets.

Burnout remains a key concern

The index points to a strong correlation between burnout and unhappiness. Employees who reported being unhappy were twice as likely to experience burnout compared to those who are satisfied at work.

Among unhappy workers, 71% said better work-life balance would significantly improve their wellbeing, ranking second only to higher pay. The findings highlight growing concerns around unmanaged stress and its impact on productivity, retention, and long-term workforce stability.

‘Happiness is a shared responsibility’

Commenting on the findings, Nicholas Lam said workplace happiness cannot rest on employees alone.

“Our findings show that 70% of workers in Malaysia feel happy at work, which is encouraging, but there’s still a significant group who feel disengaged, burnt out, or unsupported. While salary remains important, what truly sustains happiness is purpose,” he said.

He added that employers play a critical role in shaping outcomes. “When employers invest in purpose-driven roles, supportive cultures, and listen to the diverse needs of their workforce, the impact is tangible, translating to higher engagement, productivity, and retention.”

Younger workers report higher stress levels

The report also highlights clear generational differences. Gen Z employees reported higher stress levels and lower overall happiness compared to older cohorts, reflecting early-career pressures and skill-building demands.

They were also more likely to say stress reduction would significantly improve their happiness (40%), compared to Millennials (35%) and Gen X workers (27%).

Industry gaps in workplace experience

Workplace satisfaction also varies significantly across sectors. Professional services and construction recorded the highest happiness levels at 78%, while retail, hospitality, public sector, and industrial roles lagged behind, with happiness levels ranging between 55% and 62%.

Focus on sustainable wellbeing

The report concludes that while Malaysia’s workforce shows relatively strong levels of reported happiness, sustaining it will require deeper attention to stress management, workplace culture, and evolving employee expectations.

It recommends that employers focus on strengthening purpose-driven roles, improving workplace culture, and tailoring support across generations to ensure long-term wellbeing and productivity.