At the Summit Roundtable this year, we will take up a more in-depth discussion of the topic SHAPING THE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE, TOGETHER which would have been explored by the distinguished Panelists. These discussions will be influenced by some of the priorities and discussion points outlined by the Pre-summit focus group participants.

To better meet the needs of the present and anticipate the needs of the future, the summit roundtable will consider the strategies needed to nurture and retain talent and keep businesses competitive. Participants will also have the opportunity to comment on steps to create a more conducive and progressive work environment which understands the need for work-life balance.

Following the overview statement given by the roundtable facilitators, participants will be invited to join one of the three discussion groups which will elaborate further on the Summit recommendations.

1. Family-Friendly Work Policies.
Flexible work options and family-friendly work policies enable both male and female
employees to meet the needs of their families (which may include children, aged
parents and other dependants) while staying in touch with work. for businesses, improving work-life balance policies is proving to have a role in boosting productivity by attracting talent and reducing staff turnover. This group will look at how these options can become more widely accepted throughout the different sectors.

2. Helping Women Reach Their Full Potential.
In Malaysian workplaces, we are gradually moving towards the objectives of Diversity and Inclusiveness and nurturing an environment of equal opportunity. In this discussion group, participants will discuss strategies to boost enablers in the workplace that help women achieve their full potential. This will include an exploration of the role of women’s networks, overcoming the glass ceiling, and better mapping career paths for women.
3. The Enabling Workplace.

People living with disabilities have a great desire to be productively engaged in society and to contribute effectively in the workforce. However, physically disabled people continue to face difficulties of access and mobility, and companies have been slow to offer work opportunities to them. this group will discuss the changes that need to be seen in both our structures and mindsets before disabled people can be included in the mainstream.

Each of the three discussion groups will briefly present recommendations to the Summit Roundtable to be taken up by the Ministry, where applicable.

The discussions will aim at enhancing the nation’s efforts to become fully
developed by the year 2020. Women and men must have an enabling workplace environment to meet their needs for economic, social and cultural well-being.