From Burnout to Balance: Comparative Insights on Malaysian Work-Life Policies

This article examines the challenges of work-life balance (WLB) within Malaysia’s private sector, where employees face long working hours, rising stress levels, and limited legal protections. Drawing on a doctrinal and comparative methodology, the study evaluates Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955 (as amended in 2022) against international models such as France’s right to disconnect, the Netherlands’ Flexible Work Act, and Belgium’s four-day workweek reform. The literature demonstrates that while European countries have embedded WLB protections into binding law, Malaysia continues to rely on non-binding guidelines and employer discretion. The findings highlight significant gaps in statutory protections, particularly regarding flexible work and digital overconnectivity. The discussion underscores how weak enforcement and cultural norms contribute to Malaysia’s poor global ranking for WLB. The article concludes by recommending amendments to the Employment Act, statutory recognition of the right to disconnect, and mandatory employer wellness reporting to align Malaysia’s legal framework with international best practices.