This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on June 23, 2025 - June 29, 2025

Malaysia’s push towards digital transformation has been nothing short of impressive, ushering in new efficiencies and opportunities across sectors. Yet, amid the buzz of progress, a quieter challenge is emerging behind the scenes — digital fatigue.

But even as this issue rises, it brings with it a unique opportunity to reimagine how we work, learn and grow through culture.

Home to over 35 million people, Malaysia has made massive progress in adopting digital tools and upskilling initiatives. With the digital economy expected to contribute more than a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product and generate hundreds of thousands of new jobs, momentum is undeniably strong. Across sectors, employees are learning new technologies, adopting smarter systems and preparing for the future.

As this wave of transformation continues, coupled with rapid workplace evolution, is it truly sustainable for employees in the long run?

Businesses, particularly those in traditional sectors such as construction and wholesale services, are on the brink of an exciting transformation. While manual processes are still heavily relied on, there is growing momentum to integrate modern digital tools into daily operations. As these sectors begin to integrate new technologies, they are finding more practical ways to improve efficiency and support their workforce.

In hybrid work environments, companies are increasingly recognising the importance of shifting away from an “always-on” mindset and moving towards a culture that values meaningful outcomes over constant online presence.

This shift is timely, given that nearly seven in 10 employees in Malaysia reported feeling burnt out, placing the country among the highest globally for workplace stress.

Crucially, many organisations are also learning that technical skills alone are not enough. To support long-term progress, these must be matched with a workplace culture that values autonomy, purpose and employee well-being.

When people feel connected to their organisation’s mission and are given the room to develop and contribute meaningfully, more sustainable change becomes possible.

I’ve seen this first-hand in our own journey at Kintone. Even though we had systems in place to track work progress at any time, we still found ourselves in situations where team members kept their uncertainties to themselves.

It became clear to me that simply visualising progress with digital tools isn’t enough. Without psychological safety and a culture that encourages open communication, people can still feel isolated despite being digitally connected.

Encouragingly, some companies in Malaysia and across Asia are already making this shift. They are integrating learning into everyday work, promoting open communication and rethinking traditional hierarchies.

These efforts reflect a deeper understanding: productivity is more likely to thrive when people are supported with the right environment and tools, not pushed to do more with less.

Technology holds incredible potential to ease workloads and enhance efficiency when implemented thoughtfully. The key is choosing tools that integrate smoothly into daily routines, rather than adding more friction.

Across many workplaces, the key challenge is ensuring digital tools genuinely enhance how people work. A study conducted between September 2022 and November 2023 among healthcare workers in 15 state hospitals in Malaysia found that burnout and fatigue were moderately linked to “technostress”, the psychological strain caused by the constant use of advanced digital technologies.

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the stakes are even higher. Operating with lean teams and finite resources, these businesses cannot afford to be weighed down by overly complicated systems.

What SMEs need are intuitive, adaptable platforms that empower rather than overwhelm. Importantly, these solutions should not require specialised technical expertise. Instead, they should be easy to use and quick to implement.

This could take the form of all-in-one, artificila intelligence (AI) integrated platforms or no-code tools. Both options allow teams to automate mundane tasks, lessen administrative burdens and stay aligned without the need for constant managerial oversight.

The real benefit of such platforms lies in their ability to centralise information. Instead of navigating scattered emails, spreadsheets or siloed apps, employees can access everything they need in one place. Ultimately, it helps reduce the mental fatigue that often comes from context-switching and communication that is usually fragmented.

Transparency and accountability are natural outcomes of better system design. When team members can view project timelines, track progress and contribute updates in real time, it builds trust. Managers gain a clearer picture of team activity and collaboration without resorting to surveillance, while employees feel empowered to take ownership of their work.

Moreover, digital tools that are tailored to fit the unique workflows of each team help foster a sense of autonomy. Instead of forcing workers to adapt to rigid systems, good technology adapts to the user, making work more intuitive and collaborative.

Of course, no single platform can solve every challenge. But when technology is introduced with care, aligned with company goals and supported by a healthy work culture, it becomes a powerful enabler, not a source of mental exhaustion.

Shifting from a culture of presenteeism — when employees show up to work but do not actually work or work less — to one that values outcomes is already underway.

Many companies are now redefining success based on the quality of work, not hours logged. They are implementing flexible policies that support diverse needs, from working parents to rural employees. And they are prioritising mental health as a key component of employee well-being.

This shift is especially promising for the next generation of workers. Gen Z employees have already entered the workforce with high expectations for meaningful work and digital fluency. When matched with cultures that value innovation and inclusivity, they can thrive and, in doing so, uplift the entire organisation.

Digital fatigue may be a challenge today but it is far from insurmountable. With thoughtful leadership, smart tools and a culture that champions people as much as progress, Malaysian workplaces are well-positioned to turn this hurdle into a catalyst for positive change.

The future of work in Malaysia is digital but human-centred. It is flexible and full of potential. Focus on what truly matters. That way, we can create a work environment where every employee can do their best work and feel proud of it.

Further implementing the right digital tools for themselves, companies that thrive will also embrace new ways of thinking. In doing so, they will lead the way in building a more inclusive and resilient workforce ready for the future.

Tsubasa Nakazawa is managing director of Kintone Southeast Asia, a customisable workplace platform that allows teams to build, share and automate custom workflows and processes

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