Malaysia’s financial tiger is keen on making work-life balance possible in the banking sector

It is clear from the many awards received – one of which is the Best Malaysian Organisation at the Life At Work Awards 2015  – that Maybank takes pride in their flexible work arrangement initiatives.

According to Nora Abd Manaf, the Group Chief Human Capital Officer for the Maybank Group, the financial giant “believes in creating a positive work climate, which will not only bring out the best in our employees but also give them a sense of belonging which will translate into greater productivity and better customer experience. This way, we also create a culture where everyone works together to achieve our goals.”

After the launch of its first work-life balance initiative in 2009, Maybank recognised that many talents such as working mothers could thrive in a flexible work environment. The organisation began to offer a number of flexible work options such as flexitime where employees have the option of when to start and end work so long as their number of required hours in a given week are maintained. The flexibility to telecommute or work from home proved to be good options for those who have personal responsibilities to attend to. 

As of January 2015, their efforts have paid off. The organisation’s key retention rate has risen to 85 percent, a significant increase from the 52 percent recorded seven years earlier. 

A company looking to continue its focus on identifying issues and initiating change efforts to create an inclusive work environment, Maybank also strives to accommodate women’s workplace issues and hopes to continue building practices that can help women better balance their personal and professional responsibilities.

With such a concerted effort being focused on work-life balance for its staff, it is little wonder that Maybank has been recognised for their outstanding efforts in the field.