Mid-level managers worry about job security

KUALA LUMPUR: More than half of the mid-level managers in Malaysia are feeling the impact of the economic downturn in their work environment, especially on concerns over job security, according to a recent global Accenture study.

The survey of 157 mid-level managers in Malaysia found that about 40% of the respondents felt the economic downturn was affecting morale as people were worried about losing their jobs.

“In an uncertain economic environment, employers will need to take extra care in keeping employees engaged and ensuring that they maintain their job performance,” said Low Choy Huat, a director with Accenture Malaysia.

As a result of dissatisfaction, more than two-thirds of mid-level managers in Malaysia will consider another job but only about 10% are actively looking for a new job, according to the survey.

Half of the mid-level managers surveyed felt that their job dissatisfaction stemmed primarily from insufficient pay or benefits and a lack of training or development.

Two thirds of the respondents cited better pay or benefits as the reason for their desire to find a new job.

However, Low said the real reason for the job dissatisfaction was due to the morale factor with more than half of respondents saying they were most frustrated for not getting credit for the work done as well as having no clear career development.

The survey, which was undertaken in November last year, surveyed mid-level managers with an average age of 35 years old, with an average income of RM10,000 a month and seven years of working experience