Beyond Pay: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Employee-Reported Drivers and Challenges of Workplace Well-being in a Malaysian Higher Education Institution

Workplace well-being in higher education is often examined through predefined survey scales, yet employees may define a supportive workplace in ways that are not fully captured by closed-ended measures. This study explores employee-reported drivers and challenges of workplace well-being in a Malaysian higher education institution, with particular attention to the relative role of financial and non-financial conditions. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of 121 academic, professional-administrative and administrative-support employees. Two open-ended questions asked respondents to identify the main factors shaping their workplace well-being and happiness and to describe the principal challenges they faced and how the institution could respond. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 94 analyzable responses to the first question and 87 to the second. Responses were coded using a multi-label thematic framework because many comments contained more than one idea. Collegial relationships and a positive work culture were the most frequently identified drivers (57.4%), followed by leadership, fairness and management support (36.2%). Workload and work-life balance (21.3%), health and the physical environment (18.1%), financial rewards and job security (17.0%), recognition and development (14.9%), and spirituality and values (7.4%) were also evident. The dominant challenges were leadership, communication, fairness and role clarity (35.6%) and workload, role overload and time pressure (32.2%), followed by psychosocial stress and toxic interpersonal climates (20.7% each). The findings show that employee well-being extends beyond pay: relational quality, managerial fairness, manageable work design and psychological support were more prominent in employees' narratives than financial rewards alone. The study offers employee-centred evidence for designing more responsive higher education workplace policies.

Economics / Management

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