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The generational divide is real and none more evident than in the workplace. Across the globe, offices have had to navigate a change in demands and expectations fuelled by generational shifts. A recent Hiredly Work Culture Report helps paint a picture of this ever-changing environment.
The findings of the report explain how Malaysia’s job market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing values and expectations among different generations of professionals. In their report, Hiredly – one of Malaysia’s leading recruitment platforms – helps uncover what today’s job seekers really want and what employers must do to stay competitive in 2025. Below is just a brief summary of the report.
Generational Divide
The report challenges long-held stereotypes, such as the notion that Gen Z is “too demanding” or quick to quit jobs without backup. In fact, Gen Z emerges as the most cautious generation, with only 44% willing to leave a position without securing another first — far lower than Millennials and Gen X. Rather than lacking resilience, younger workers are more selective according to the report, seeking roles that align with their growth ambitions and personal values.
For Gen Z professionals, career growth is the top priority, closely followed by competitive salaries and a collaborative workplace culture. Unlike their predecessors, Gen Z is less attracted to the unpredictable hustle of start-up environments, favouring instead stability and clear career paths that respect work-life boundaries. Salary transparency is particularly important to them, with 70% demanding upfront pay information before applying for roles.
Millennials, meanwhile, tend to balance the need for financial stability with flexible working arrangements. They prioritise salary but place nearly equal importance on growth opportunities and workplace flexibility, reflecting their often more complex juggling of career and family commitments.
This group is more likely than Gen Z to quit jobs without another lined up, often due to burnout or hitting career ceilings, underscoring their frustration with rigid and toxic work environments. For Millennials, mental health awareness and flexible policies are no longer perks but necessities.
Career Expectations
At the more experienced end of the spectrum, Gen X professionals value respect, autonomy, and long-term sustainability in their careers. They rate flexible work arrangements highest and are the most likely to prioritise workplace culture over salary.
Clear leadership vision and communication are crucial to this group, which demands that companies keep pace with evolving work practices and provide meaningful direction. Across all generations, the Hiredly report highlights that workplace culture trumps salary when it comes to retaining talent. Toxic environments drive high turnover, regardless of pay.
Furthermore, unclear communication during hiring — especially around career progression — is a significant red flag. Over half of Gen Z respondents admitted they would reconsider job offers if future growth opportunities weren’t clearly articulated.
More Clarity
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Another striking insight is the growing demand for salary transparency. According to the Hiredly Work Culture Report, positions that do not disclose pay information receive 55% fewer applications on its platform. Younger generations, in particular, view pay secrecy as a warning sign about a company’s fairness and trustworthiness.
Work-life boundaries are another crucial theme. Employees across the board reject unpaid overtime, micromanagement, and after-hours contact, emphasising that respect for personal time is no longer negotiable. While Millennials show some tolerance for work-life integration, Gen Z leads in insisting on clear separation between work and personal life.
Photo: Tim Gouw/Unsplash.
The report also signals a challenge for start-ups. Historically attractive to young talent for their dynamic and fast-paced culture, start-ups are now struggling to appeal to Gen Z, who seek predictability and stability more than ever.
For employers, the takeaway is clear: to attract and retain the best talent, they must build authentic employer brands, offer structured growth opportunities with flexibility, embrace pay transparency, and foster healthy, respectful work cultures. Companies that adapt to these evolving expectations will lead the way in Malaysia’s competitive talent market.
More information and detailed findings of the Hiredly Work Culture Report 2025 can be found here.
