[This is a sponsored article with Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).]
This year marks the ninth edition of the LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA), an annual event hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).
About the organiser: Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) is a Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) agency that drives Malaysia’s talent strategy towards becoming a dynamic talent hub.
LAWA recognises companies with workplace practices that excel in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and those that align with the future demands of work, workplaces, and the workforce.
It also looks at whether companies are offering work opportunities that align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, fostering a more inclusive workplace, and equipping employees with digital skills for the future.
With LAWA 2024 approaching, TalentCorp is inviting companies that believe they have a strong, inclusive, or sustainable company culture to showcase their efforts by submitting their entries.
Participating in awards like LAWA showcases your company’s dedication to excellence in DEI practices, highlighting your forward-thinking workplace practices. Featuring the LAWA 2024 brandmark on your marketing materials not only boosts your company’s credibility but also signals to top talent that your organisation values innovation and inclusivity, making it an attractive place to work.
LAWA 2024’s award categories
LAWA 2024 will feature a total of 14 categories with 30 awards. These awards will recognise Malaysian organisations, multinational companies, SMEs, sole proprietorships, and public sector organisations with exemplary workplace policies.
Submissions from companies will be judged and audited by a panel of high-level individuals from the Ministry of Human Resources, associations, NGOs, and industries.
Several new awards will be handed out this year to recognise companies that exemplify their dedication to the DEI agenda and sustainability efforts for the future of work, workplace, and workforce.
These include new categories like Corporate Social Responsibility, Technology for Inclusion, Environmental Practices, Green Technology Innovation, and Initiatives on Employee Care and Well-Being.
The above categories will be featured alongside LAWA’s already existing awards that recognise Best Organisation in the Organisation Type, CEO Champion, CHRO Champion, Promising Young HR, Women in the Workforce, Diversity Hiring, Young Graduates, Talent Sustainability, and Workplace Excellence.
Spotlighting winning company initiatives
1. National Instruments Malaysia
National Instruments (NI) Malaysia won the Outstanding Practices in Workplace Environment Initiatives award at LAWA 2023.
This award recognises companies that have put in effort to create employee and family-friendly office environments with excellent work facilities, including collaborative spaces.
NI Malaysia makes a notable effort to establish a working environment that is inclusive and conducive for its employees, having facilities that cater to sporty people and even new mothers. Their low attrition rate is also a testament to their efforts.
Employees have praised NI Malaysia’s hybrid work model, excellent medical benefits, and collaborative office spaces. They also highlighted the company’s strong work-life balance and supportive culture.
2. Shell Malaysia
Shell Malaysia (Shell) won the Outstanding Practices for Young Graduate Initiatives award at LAWA 2023.
This category recognises companies that excel in hiring, retention, and career progression while providing tailored support for developing talent within the organisation.
As a petroleum retail market leader in Malaysia, Shell operates over 950 stations nationwide.
Shell has numerous initiatives catered towards graduates and interns that encompass not only recruitment, development opportunities or career planning but also work-life balance.
3. VISTA Eye Specialist
VISTA Eye Specialist (VISTA), won the Best Organisation award for the SME category at LAWA 2023.
This award recognises organisations with strong work-life practices and DEI initiatives that contribute to a positive work environment.
Founded in 1999, VISTA provides ophthalmology treatments in Malaysia and has served over 255,000 patients.
VISTA’s exceptional leadership and initiatives towards their employees’ well-being and development opportunities are among the reasons why they were awarded the Best Organisation (SME) at LAWA 2023.
They have several initiatives that help employees not only grow but manage their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
At VISTA, they genuinely believe that “Happy Staff = Happy Patients”. As such, they emphasise looking after their employees which can be seen in the benefits staff members are provided.
For example, employees with newborns and children will appreciate the centre’s child-friendly facilities and activities, which are available to both patients and staff. Additionally, the generous paternity and maternity leave policies add extra support.
VISTA also provides employees with hands-on training and clear career pathways to develop their professional expertise.
Furthermore, employees with over three years of service are also rewarded with cash bonuses.
Other past winners have also included names like Maybank, Yayasan Pahang, Pos Malaysia, CIBA VISION Johor, HSBC Bank Malaysia, and Dexcom Malaysia.
Calling for entry submissions
Think your company has a winning culture for LAWA 2024? Submissions are open to organisations until September 6, 2024, via TalentCorp’s LAWA 2024 website.
All types of companies are welcome to apply so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Established in Malaysia with a registration number from the Company’s Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
- Able to showcase workplace strategies demonstrating commitment to the DEI agenda
These efforts can be highlighted through open-ended responses in your application, and you may attach supplemental documents to support your answers. Ongoing or new initiatives implemented in 2023 can serve as evidence.
If shortlisted, TalentCorp will contact you for a pitching session which will take place in October, and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November 2024.
As a winner, you’ll receive a trophy and certificate from the organisers and can display the winners’ brandmark on your company website. This will highlight your company’s commitment to excellence in future-driven and innovative workplace policies as well as help attract top talents.
Featured Image Credit: TalentCorp’s Group CEO, Thomas Mathew
