Workers in Malaysia are more interested in work-life balance than securing higher pay or career development, a global survey by specialist recruitment provider Kelly Services has found.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) survey showed that almost two-thirds (67 percent) of workers in Malaysia said a work-life balanced career would interest them more than higher pay, compared to 57 percent in Singapore, China (65 percent) and Thailand (76 percent).

"At the same time, 54 percent of workers in Malaysia would likely give up higher pay for a more flexible work schedule compared to 45 percent in Singapore and 38 percent in China," it said in a statement.

The KGWI titled 'Worker preference and workplace agility' surveyed about 230,000 people across 31 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

Across Asia Pacific, 65 percent of respondents would consider the same salary and career sacrifice for improved work-life balance, 48 percent for a more flexible work schedule, and 37 percent for the chance to perform more socially conscious work, the study found.

- Bernama