SURVEY: MALAYSIANS ARE MORE STRESSFUL

SURVEY OF MALAYSIANS

One in six Malaysians stressed out by work
By Rose Ismail, NST 19th October 2004

One in six working Malaysians in a nationwide poll says he is stressed out by work and, for almost as many, this is compounded by money problems.

The poll, on how Malaysians balance work and life issues, also reveals that respondents in government service are least stressed and those at the other end of the scale are workers in sales and retail.

Why is it that Government servants are the least stressed?????

Its' funny, isn't it, as we often hear that government servants are paid much much lower than the private sector, and yet, they are having lesser stress as compared with the others in private sector? Maybe, most governemnt servants don't have money problem or, possibly, they have being living a frugal lifestyle as compared with those in the private sectors, or even more probably, money does not matter, and less money doesn't matter to government servants as they are more motivated.

Apart from work and money, other major causes of stress are health, children, parents and family.

To relieve stress, most Malaysians claim they try to relax or think positive thoughts - "Tomorrow will become better".

A substantial number seek comfort in family members. Women, especially, turn to friends, colleagues and ... bosses. What do you mean women turns to bosses to seek comfort, Cik Rose Ismail??????

Outside of the work environment, family outings are seen as stress-relievers for some people but only a small number (five per cent) see holidays as the answer to reduce stress. A probably explanation for this is that the poll, in reflecting the national census, has a wider band of respondents from the lower middle and working classes. (Everybody loves holidays; but holidays are expensive and many cannot afford them, even domestic resorts)

For such groups, work is stoically accepted as the only way to make ends meet.

You are absolutely right, Cik Rose. Working less means earning less and that translates to "Not Enough" income to meet expenses. As a father, I have to pay for 3 of my children's Educational expenses - 2 are in University and my daughter will soon be looking for a place in the local universities, public U, if possible, if not then, private U (which will cost me a fortune). Apart from my children education, I too, have to fund my current post-graduate education - LLB; which will cost me another $30,000. Where do I find more money for holidays .... overseas? Maybe, Kuching, Sarawak boleh-lah!!!!

More than 600 people were interviewed in the poll conducted by Merdeka Center, a social research organisation sponsored by the Friedrich Nauman Foundation.

Findings indicate that women are better able to ignore stress and that a small number of respondents deal with pressures by keeping to themselves or acquiring a "couldn’t-care- less" attitude.

Money, more than leisure time, will assure Malaysians a better quality of life.

Across almost all age groups and job sectors, this finding stands out prominently in a nationwide poll conducted last week.

The emphasis given to money may explain why one in five people, as reported in today’s New Straits Times, has taken on additional work to supplement the family income.

It could also be linked to the fact that one in 10 people consider his income inadequate and one in three say his wages are not enough to make ends meet.

Yet, despite the preoccupation with money, all those interviewed said they were satisfied with what little free time they had for themselves and their families.

Surprisingly, the quest for more money also crosses the retirement line with those above 55 indicating that money was more important than leisure time.

But, intriguingly, this trend is bucked by those between the ages of 50 and 55, people who are presumably tired of work and getting ready for retirement.

Workers in the production, transport and labour sectors polled highest (64 per cent) in wanting money more than time but those in the professional, technical and managerial fields appeared slightly ambivalent about this.

Although they noted the importance of money, a fair number wanted more time to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Only teachers and lecturers valued time more than money, polling 51 per cent for time and 46 per cent for money. Coincidentally, teachers, professional and some government workers bring work to be completed at home.