A well-rested worker is more efffective, productive
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: Overworking should not be a badge of honour. It should raise red flags about the health of our work culture and the structures that uphold it. THE Employment Act 1955, amended in 2022, clearly stipulates the legal framework for working hours in Malaysia. Section 60A states that the maximum working time allowed is eight hours per day or 45 hours per week. Any work performed beyond these limits is categorised as overtime and must be compensated accordingly. Section 19 provides that all wages, including overtime, must be paid no later than seven days after the end of the wage period. These provisions are designed not only to ensure fairness but also to protect the health and dignity of workers. Despite these legal protections, it is not uncommon for employers to ignore or downplay them. Many workers are pressured to stay beyond their scheduled hours without additional pay, and in some industries, overtime is expected as a matter of course rather than exception. This is particularly concerning in environments where power imbalances make it difficult for employees to speak out, especially among young workers, contract staff, or those in lower-income positions. The culture of silence is often reinforced by fear of being seen as uncooperative, ungrateful, or even replaceable. Even in professional settings where employees may be classified as 'non-manual' and thus partially excluded from certain provisions of the Employment Act, the issue persists in more insidious forms. Workers are often expected to be constantly available via digital devices, blurring the line between personal and professional time.
Advertisement The assumption that dedication must come at the cost of personal well-being is a false dichotomy that ultimately harms both employees and organisations. International studies have consistently shown that chronic overwork leads to reduced productivity, increased error rates, and deteriorating mental health. In Malaysia, burnout has become a silent epidemic. Reports from local mental health support services indicate rising levels of work-related stress, anxiety, and depression among employees, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the 'always-on' culture. Despite these warning signs, many workplaces continue to reward presenteeism (simply being visible and available) over actual performance. It is imperative for employers to reassess what productivity truly means. A sustainable workforce is not one that is perpetually exhausted but one that is respected, fairly compensated, and allowed the rest that is necessary for long-term performance. This shift requires more than compliance with statutory provisions. It demands a change in mindset, one which recognises that a well-rested worker is not less valuable but actually more effective. At the same time, employees must also feel empowered to understand and assert their rights. Knowing the legal limits of working hours, maintaining records of overtime, and having open conversations about workload and boundaries are not acts of rebellion; they are essential forms of workplace self-advocacy. Civil society initiatives, trade unions, and rights-based organisations have a role to play in advocating for better enforcement. Overworking should not be a badge of honour. It should raise red flags about the health of our work culture and the structures that uphold it. By continuing to reward overwork, we risk building workplaces that prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability at the expense of worker well-being. Ultimately, respecting working hours is not just a matter of legal compliance; it is a matter of respect, dignity, and human decency. In a truly progressive and humane labour system, no one should have to burn out to be seen. SM The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Daily Express
A well-rested worker is more efffective, productive
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: Overworking should not be a badge of honour. It should raise red flags about the health of our work culture and the structures that uphold it. THE Employment Act 1955, amended in 2022, clearly stipulates the legal framework for working hours in Malaysia. Section 60A states that the maximum working time allowed is eight hours per day or 45 hours per week. Any work performed beyond these limits is categorised as overtime and must be compensated accordingly. Section 19 provides that all wages, including overtime, must be paid no later than seven days after the end of the wage period. These provisions are designed not only to ensure fairness but also to protect the health and dignity of workers. Despite these legal protections, it is not uncommon for employers to ignore or downplay them. Many workers are pressured to stay beyond their scheduled hours without additional pay, and in some industries, overtime is expected as a matter of course rather than exception. This is particularly concerning in environments where power imbalances make it difficult for employees to speak out, especially among young workers, contract staff, or those in lower-income positions. The culture of silence is often reinforced by fear of being seen as uncooperative, ungrateful, or even replaceable. Even in professional settings where employees may be classified as 'non-manual' and thus partially excluded from certain provisions of the Employment Act, the issue persists in more insidious forms. Workers are often expected to be constantly available via digital devices, blurring the line between personal and professional time. Advertisement The assumption that dedication must come at the cost of personal well-being is a false dichotomy that ultimately harms both employees and organisations. International studies have consistently shown that chronic overwork leads to reduced productivity, increased error rates, and deteriorating mental health. In Malaysia, burnout has become a silent epidemic. Reports from local mental health support services indicate rising levels of work-related stress, anxiety, and depression among employees, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the 'always-on' culture. Despite these warning signs, many workplaces continue to reward presenteeism (simply being visible and available) over actual performance. It is imperative for employers to reassess what productivity truly means. A sustainable workforce is not one that is perpetually exhausted but one that is respected, fairly compensated, and allowed the rest that is necessary for long-term performance. This shift requires more than compliance with statutory provisions. It demands a change in mindset, one which recognises that a well-rested worker is not less valuable but actually more effective. At the same time, employees must also feel empowered to understand and assert their rights. Knowing the legal limits of working hours, maintaining records of overtime, and having open conversations about workload and boundaries are not acts of rebellion; they are essential forms of workplace self-advocacy. Civil society initiatives, trade unions, and rights-based organisations have a role to play in advocating for better enforcement. Overworking should not be a badge of honour. It should raise red flags about the health of our work culture and the structures that uphold it. By continuing to reward overwork, we risk building workplaces that prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability at the expense of worker well-being. Ultimately, respecting working hours is not just a matter of legal compliance; it is a matter of respect, dignity, and human decency. In a truly progressive and humane labour system, no one should have to burn out to be seen. SM The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysian couple's KL house doubles as office, art gallery and event space
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With changing needs, we proposed a more radical response: a largely undefined, open architectural framework with minimal partitions that would allow interpretation over time,' Lee says. Step into the warm atmosphere of the building and one would notice that the sophisticated space is adorned with a curation of local and international design pieces and artworks by the owners, adding to its charm. One artwork that stands out is a vibrant painting by local neurodivergent artist Danial Kushairi that sits proudly in Ng's office. The artist's attention to details and keen observation have allowed him to capture Conservatory's architectural charm on canvas. 'We didn't know what to expect when we commissioned Danial to create this art. But he has managed to capture every detail of the building beautifully,' Ng says. The vast airwell allows natural light to flood the building. Let the light in There was mutual trust from the beginning, says Lee. 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The project became a collaborative journey that allowed the architecture to evolve organically, adapting to changing requirements while staying true to the original intent. Materials like brick, metal and concrete became surfaces for natural light and shadow to animate throughout the day. Traditional spaces like bedrooms and living halls were transformed into open, flexible environments. The foyer is converted to an art gallery with a number of paintings on display. Form and function To Lee, form and function are inseparable. A framed window is not just for ventilation or view – it's a moment for contemplation. Exposed concrete offers both practical durability and raw, quiet beauty, especially when juxtaposed against bricks or glass. 'We trust our intuition in making aesthetic decisions that are grounded in human experience. For instance, we introduced protruding brick courses along the façade – not merely for texture, but to create subtle shadows that shift with time. 'Openings were composed based on the orientation and movement of light, with or without screens, to craft moments that connect people with nature and time,' he says. The vast possibilities of what Conservatory could be make it incredibly unique. 'It can be an event space, an art gallery or a home,' says Ng. 'It was a conscious decision to make the place this flexible. The lift in the building allows for the disabled to move around easily, and it is also suitable for a multi- generational home with elderly folks around. The rooftop offers a versatile space for events. Photo: Pixelaw Photography 'As you look out the windows, you can see tall trees that have been here for a long time. We wanted to build something new while embracing the natural beauty that was already present within the neighbourhood. In a lot of the new developments that we usually see, the site is often stripped clean with no trees remaining. To get a place like this where we are surrounded with mature trees is truly a gem,' says Ng. 'We currently house our office here within the building. We hope that we can allow our colleagues to be closer to nature.' Ng says their first office was a tiny shoplot in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. 'From there, we moved to Plaza Mont Kiara and since September last year, we have been at Conservatory. The journey is a statement of more than 20 years of hard work,' she adds.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
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