Recruitment and employer data suggest that young Malaysian workers are changing jobs more frequently than before, often within 18 months of starting a new role. According to the Malaysian Employers Federation, this pattern is especially visible among Gen Z and millennials, with implications for income stability, career planning, and long-term employability.

High Turnover Among Workers In Their 20s

The Malaysian Employers Federation said voluntary turnover remained higher among employees in their 20s compared to other age groups. A significant share of young workers planned to resign within a year, reflecting a strong job-switching trend in the Malaysian labour market.

The trend was more noticeable after the year-end bonus period, when many employees reviewed their options and considered new roles.

Labour Mobility And Expanding Job Options

Greater labour mobility was a key factor behind the trend, particularly in urban areas. Growth sectors such as services, digital, retail, and logistics had created more opportunities, making it easier for young workers to move between jobs.

Increased transparency around job openings, driven by digital recruitment platforms and social media, had also made it simpler for workers to compare roles, salaries, and benefits.

Rising Expectations Around Career And Lifestyle

Younger employees had higher expectations for faster career progression, flexibility, and meaningful work. When these expectations were not met, job changes became more likely.

Common reasons for switching included a mismatch between expectations and workplace reality, limited career progression, and a desire for faster skills acquisition. Work-life balance and flexible arrangements were also cited as important considerations.

Industry Differences In Employee Retention

The trend was not uniform across all industries, with sectors offering clearer career pathways, structured training, and stronger engagement practices tending to record lower attrition, even among younger employees.

This suggested that development opportunities and workplace support influenced employee retention beyond salary considerations alone.

How Frequent Job Changes Affect Long-Term Careers

The Malaysian Employers Federation acknowledged that some degree of mobility was natural, particularly early in a career. However, excessive short-term job changes could hinder long-term employability.

Employers increasingly valued depth of experience alongside breadth, making sustained skill-building and professional credibility more important over time.

Practical Considerations For Young Workers

Young Malaysians were advised to evaluate learning opportunities, not just salary increases, when considering a job change. Staying in a role long enough to build relevant skills, credibility, and professional references was seen as beneficial for future career progression.

Continuous upskilling, including digital, technical, and soft skills, was also encouraged to strengthen employability. Early career growth, the federation noted, often required patience, resilience, and gradual progression.

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