Decent work as a driver of employee productivity: A quantitative study in the Malaysian context

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between work attitude, opportunities in work, and the nature of the job as predictors of employee productivity within the Malaysian context. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 300 employees across various sectors using structured surveys. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to identify key factors influencing productivity. The findings reveal that all three variables significantly impact employee productivity, with the nature of the job emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by opportunities in work and work attitude. The study confirms the applicability of Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory in explaining the role of both hygiene and motivation factors in shaping employee performance. Practical implications include recommendations for employers to foster positive work environments, invest in structured training programs, and align job roles with employee strengths and aspirations. Policymakers are urged to promote lifelong learning initiatives and provide incentives for organizations that prioritize employee development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on workforce productivity and offers actionable insights for enhancing employee performance in Malaysia.