Unveiling The Economic Impact The Growing Trend Of Malaysian Women Exiting The Workforce Post 30

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Promoting Family-Friendly Policies: A Discussion at the CIMB Report Launch At the recent launch of a pivotal report, Hamidah Naziadin, the former Chief People Officer of CIMB Group, emphasized the vital role of family-friendly workplace policies. CIMB Group stands as one of Malaysia’s foremost banking institutions, and Hamidah underscored the necessity for employers to recognize these policies as a strategic investment rather than merely a financial outlay.
During her leadership at CIMB, the banking giant implemented a notable six-month maternity leave initiative, along with one month of paternity leave. In contrast, Malaysian regulations typically afford female employees 98 consecutive days of paid maternity leave, while male employees receive a mere seven days of paternity leave.
Hamidah addressed the skepticism surrounding extended paternity leave, stating, “Policy formulation should prioritize the majority. Family-oriented policies enhance corporate branding and foster productivity, as employees perceive the organization as compassionate and considerate.” She stressed that effective policies stem from a deep understanding of employee needs.
She also expressed her belief that flexible working arrangements, a trend accelerated by recent global events, are likely to become a standard in workplaces. “Ultimately, employees constitute the core of a company’s success,” she remarked. “It is essential to build a supportive environment. Trust is a critical component; successful policy implementation relies heavily on it.”
In a related discussion, Nazrul Aziz, Group Chief Strategy Officer at TalentCorp, pointed out the challenges that smaller companies face in adopting family-friendly practices aimed at drawing women back into the workforce. TalentCorp, an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources, is tasked with advancing the nation’s talent management strategy.
Nazrul noted that only 30% of Malaysian workers are employed by multinational corporations or government-linked entities, while the majority are engaged in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He articulated, “To effect meaningful change in the workforce ecosystem, we must focus on this segment, supported by guidance and best practices from larger organizations.”
This dialogue highlights the pressing need for comprehensive policies that support a diverse workforce and create an inclusive environment conducive to employee well-being.


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