Thriving in Kuala Lumpur requires a set of skills that aren't hard to master, once you know what will be required of you. A sizeable portion of this process is to understand the work environment and business culture in the city and the country at large. KL is one of those cities that never stops moving and that is reflected in the constant efforts to make progress at work.
Hierarchy
As cosmopolitan as the city is, it retains certain aspects of Asian norms when it comes to the professional world. There is a strong sense of hierarchy in companies in Kuala Lumpur. This may not be as evident in start-ups and small enterprises but it remains a staple of relationships between colleagues at the workplace. It is important that you respect the chain of command and address any issues without confrontation.
Avoid criticism
The avoidance of confrontation is another key element of the work environment in KL. Malaysians work hard at keeping up appearances in professional relationships. Thus, it is preferable to settle disagreements or give negative feedback behind closed doors. This is part of the cultural idea of 'saving face', which refers to avoiding embarrassment or any discomfort in interactions. Keeping this idea in mind will be useful in and out of the workplace in Malaysia.
Building relationships is at the heart of the work environment in the city. This is a worthwhile investment as progress in business deals or in career advancement tends to come from successful relationships and a sense of trust and loyalty between employer and employee.
Working schedules
The rapid pace of Kuala Lumpur means that the working hours tend to be long and it is not uncommon to see employees stay after hours to complete tasks. You can expect to work on tight deadlines and be challenged in the workplace. The Malaysian Employment Act sets the maximum to 48 working hours a week with exceptions and clauses protecting overtime work.
The dress code
The workplace dress code in KL favours modest and formal attire. This comprises of well-fitting suits or skirts with a collared shirt, tie and closed footwear. It is recommended to avoid low cut tops or above the knee skirts as Malaysia is still quite conservative, as reflected in the workplace dynamics. Many companies currently have a casual Friday, which allows for a more relaxed attire that may involve polo shirts, jeans and less formal dresses. Flip flops and shorts are not acceptable workwear.
Commuting and punctuality
As the centre of life in the region, KL is often prone to traffic jams. This is evident in the morning during the peak hours of the work commute and in the evenings when offices and businesses close for the day. Working in the city may entail having a relatively long commute to work and driving is often not worth the hassle. The majority of people make use of the very reliable public transport system in KL. The LRT, MRT, KTM and Monorail connect the city and the suburbs.
Some companies allow employees to start later under the condition that they will leave later. This saves employees from the rush of peak hours. You will find that your work commute will be a significant part of your day, making it imperative to look for accommodation that ensures a smooth transition.
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