Workplace stress and confusion are affecting young employees in Malaysia, with experts calling for better support, clarity and psychological safety.
PETALING JAYA: Stress, confusion and early disengagement are becoming routine for many young workers navigating today’s workplaces.
Organisational psychology points to a simple cause – imbalance. Too much pressure with too little support, and performance as well as wellbeing both suffer.
Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis Arau Campus Psychology and Counselling Unit head Rozainun Mahmod said mental health support must help employees thrive without lowering accountability.
“Mental health initiatives are not about leniency. Done right, they combine empathy, structure and clear expectations,” she told theSun.
She said research shows that employees perform best when workloads, deadlines and responsibilities are balanced with guidance, clarity and opportunities to grow.
“Without it, stress rises and engagement drops. Practical support matters. Counselling, mentoring and structured supervision help young staff manage pressure and build resilience while still meeting performance standards.”
She added that task clarity is equally critical.
“Ambiguous roles or objectives spark anxiety, particularly for early-career employees adjusting to professional norms. Clear expectations let staff focus on results, not guessing what’s required.”
Rozainun said psychological safety is also key and workers must feel safe to ask questions, raise concerns and make mistakes without fear of embarrassment.
“This is not lowering standards. It is creating a learning environment that strengthens resilience and productivity.
“Early-career employees need support, structure and room to grow. Get the balance right and you boost wellbeing, performance and long-term commitment,” Rozainun said.
