Advancing Workforce Sustainability: Policy Reforms for Flexible Working Arrangements in Achieving National SDGs

Workforce sustainability is a cornerstone of economic growth and societal well-being. One game-changing policy instrument for increasing workplace diversity, inclusion, and adaptation is the rise of flexible working `arrangements (FWAs) in Malaysia. As Malaysia strives to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on economic growth, gender equality, and well-being. This paper critically analyses four main areas related to FWAs in Malaysia. First, it discusses the rationale of FWAs in supporting the three main SDG goals, which are to improve good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth. Second, the paper reviews the contemporary FWA policy in Malaysia. Thirdly, the paper discusses the development of FWA’s Regulations in Malaysia. Based on these three main critical reviews, we argue that a greater emphasis should be placed on advancing Workforce Sustainability by reforming FWAs policies in achieving National SDGs. We developed an analytical FWAs policy framework that can be used in negotiation or decision-making to lead the development of a more thorough set of policies for managing FWAs. These reforms are crucial for developing a stronger and coherent labour market that can support national and global development goals.