Introduction

The Malaysia People@Work© (P@W©) Index is the first unified, validated measure of workplace well-being, assessing Psychosocial Risk, Psychosocial Well-being, and Psychological Safety of employees. Additionally, it incorporates Self-Esteem as a supplementary factor in workplace well-being.

Aligned with ISO 45003, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 & 8), the International Labour Organization's Workplace Well-being Goals, and ESG Social Goals, it also adheres to Malaysia’s OSH Act (Amendment) 2022.

The P@W© Index is gathered directly from employees within organizations. Employees access their results through the Psych Me App, while organizations and managers utilize the PsychMe Dashboard. Data collected across workplaces feeds into the World People@Work© Dashboard, providing a comprehensive World People@Work© Index Report.

This global-first report offers insights, trends, and actionable recommendations to drive workplace well-being, setting a new standard for nations worldwide.
The People@Work©Index is the first globally validated standard for workplace well-being. It is a unified and validated 10-minute diagnostic tool which measures:

Psychosocial Risk

How much pain and stress employees are experiencing

“What’s Causing Chaos In Your 9 To 5?"

14 Items 20 Risk Factors

  1. Quantitative Demands
  2. Emotional Demands
  3. Tempo, Work Pace
  4. Influence at Work
  5. Possibilities for Development
  6. Meaning of Work
  7. Social Support from Supervisors
  8. Predictability
  9. Rewards (Recognition)
  10. Role Clarity
  11. Quality of Leadership
  12. Commitment to the Workplace
  13. Job Satisfaction
  14. Work-Life Conflict
  15. Vertical Trust
  16. Organizational Justice and Respect
  17. Stress
  18. Burnout
  19. Self-Rated Health
  20. Offensive Behaviour.

Psychosocial Well-being

How well employees are managing their stress or pain

“Are You At Your Best State to Score Goals?”

14 Items 3 Well-being Domains

Emotional Well-being

  1. Positive Affect
  2. Quality of Life

Social Well-being

  1. Social Contribution
  2. Social Integration
  3. Social Growth
  4. Social Acceptance
  5. Social Coherence

Psychological Well-being

  1. Self Acceptance
  2. Environmental Mastery
  3. Positive Relations with Others
  4. Personal Growth
  5. Autonomy
  6. Purpose in Life

Psychological Safety

How safe employees feel to take positive action and be brave

“Do You Feel Safe To Be Brave?”

7 Items 4 Safety Domains

  1. Inclusion Safety
  2. Learner Safety
  3. Contributor Safety
  4. Challenger Safety
Image

Findings: The 2025 Malaysia P@W©Index remains at 62%, unchanged from 2024. Psychosocial Risk score decreased by 3% to 37%, Psychosocial Well-Being decreased by 2% to 60%, and Psychological Safety remains at 64%.

The State of Workplace Well-being in Malaysia

Index

The 2025 Malaysia People@Work© was at 62%, this Index remain unchanged from 2024.

Gender

Female employees (61%) reported a lower P@W© Index compared to male employees (64%) by 3%. 

Age

Employees in the 31-40 yrs age group had the lowest P@W© Index at 59% while employees who are above 60 yrs were at 69%. 

Job Level

Executive employees (60%) have the lowest P@W© Index compared to Senior General Manager & Above (66%) by 6%. 

Tenure

In 2025, employees of less than 1 year tenure (61%) reported the largest decrease in P@W© Index scores by 2%.

The 7 Workplace Phenomena in Malaysia

1. Empowerment-Exhaustion Tension

While employees report higher role clarity and trust in management, they remain strained by the high pace and tempo of work.

2. Hidden Pockets of Toxicity

Offensive behaviours have declined, but remaining harm becomes harder to detect as it concentrates within specific levels or teams

3. Eco-Ego Disconnect

Employees feel increasingly disconnected from the broader purpose and impact.

4. Courage Constraint

Employees may feel included, yet hesitate to speak up, admit mistakes, or raise difficult issues.

5. Personal Growth Deficit

Employees feel confident in their abilities but less secure in their sense of self-worth.

6. Organisational Advocacy Erosion

Employees may continue performing while becoming less willing to recommend or stand behind their organisation.

7. Employee Experience Divide

Workplace strain is not evenly distributed. It is more concentrated among females, mid-career professionals, and those in high-responsibility roles

Why This Report Matters

Track Year-on-Year Trends

Understand how workplace well-being is changing, with insights on Psychosocial Risk, Psychosocial Well-being, and Psychological Safety.

Demographic Insights

See how all three People@Work© measures vary across gender, age, job level, and tenure, helping identify vulnerable groups.

Workplace Challenges & Risks

Gain a clearer picture of rising concerns in stress levels, well-being, and psychological safety.

Actionable Recommendations

Access expert-driven recommendations to improve workplace well-being.

Who Should Read This Report

Government & Regulators

Understand the state of workplace well-being to guide national policies.

CEOs & Business Leaders

Gain strategic insights to improve ESG & workplace culture.

HR & Well-being Practitioners

Shape policies that drive a culture of well-being.

Employees & Advocates

Learn how workplace well-being is evolving and advocate for change.

Quotes from Author and Partners

O-Psych