Many women took time away—whether to care for family, enjoy a long-waited sabbatical, go on a round-the-world trip, study subjects of future skill, or build a biodiversity home—and realised they gained a new perspective on life. They are not done! They found new dreams, career goals, and excitements of a new future that fit their new definition of success in life.

Here is a good news! On 18 October 2024, the Malaysian government released 2025 tax incentives to companies to welcome women back to the workforce. A 50% tax deduction paved the way for women to rejoin the workforce.

As a woman, I am thrilled.

Why Women Returning to the Workforce is Vital

In 2023, Malaysia's labour force was 78% male, and women's 51.6%—an 8.4% gap from the goal of 60% to bring women into the inclusive workforce by 2024. Under the latest budget, the government incentivises companies to hire more women to return to work and receive a 50% tax deduction on employment expenses for eligible hires, starting in 2025 through Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad.

This tax incentive program isn't just a crucial move toward a balanced, people-centred workforce but a leap toward meaningful progress to tap into women's critical thinking and Emotional Intelligence (EI) skills. These skills are essential in interpersonal management to nurture humans dealing with uncertainty and complement today's world, where AI is reforming our lives. Under this program, companies that hire women returning to work will be eligible for a 50% tax deduction on their employment expenses, providing a significant financial incentive to bring more women into the workforce.

Emotional Intelligence in an AI-Driven World

Whether you fully embrace AI-powered workplaces or not, humans need to learn how to maintain human collaboration with machines and not lose our humanity. Emotional Intelligence keeps workplaces with human-centred cooperation, adaptability and agility. 

AI is great at dealing with known information, but our future is filled with unknowns. You know who excels at handling the unknown—women.

Women are born with a unique grit to the unknown. They possess the soft power to tackle complex issues. Since birth, women have shown remarkable adaptability in navigating the unknown. From discovering our bodies and experiencing the changes of puberty to bearing children and nurturing them throughout their lives, we help shape valuable, thriving individuals. We manage health challenges, the ageing of loved ones, and the complexities of life—all while navigating our transformations. This resilience is a testament to women's extraordinary capabilities and a security source in times of uncertainty. For instance, a woman who has managed a household and raised children has developed skills in multitasking, time management, and conflict resolution that directly apply to the business world.

Now, imagine how women can bring this extraordinary resilience to an organisation, adeptly handling rapid technological advances, market shifts, diverse team dynamics, and evolving customer needs while fostering collaboration, creativity, and positive work culture. They use their inborn strength, resilience and compassionate instincts to influence people toward a common goal—much like how families can stick together through generations and thrive.

EI is grit, a superpower of women. When women take time off to strengthen their self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, it allows us to connect with teams, foster innovation, and bring emotional depth that AI simply can't replicate. For companies, embracing this blend of EI and technical skills is an opportunity to stay competitive and compassionate. This understanding of the importance of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace can enlighten and inform business leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers interested in workforce diversity and inclusion.

Building a Future Where EI Meets AI

As AI manages more technical tasks like fast data processing, analysis, and speed production. Emotional Intelligence is a uniquely humane trait that is increasingly invaluable to improving AI-powered workplaces and maintaining humanity in an already full-scale online communication and collaboration workplace. Studies have shown that workplaces with people with high EI handle stress and critical situations more calmly and effectively, and they are more adaptive to changes and collaborate without too much distraction and distress.

When the government and companies work hand-in-hand to boost women's participation back into the workplace and take benefits of this tax incentive program, it isn't just about numbers; it's about recognising the profound human value back to the workplace. When companies hire women who want to return to work, they uplift society as a whole and build a workforce balanced not only in gender but also in human skill—human relations, such as compassion, authenticity, and empathy, an ideal blend for a world where AI and EI must coexist.

With Women Leading the Way

I'm cheering on the babes who never stop learning, advancing their skills, and having plenty of new dreams and goals to chase! Let's return to work and continue contributing to society with our newly earned skills and knowledge.

To all companies that recognise women with such soft power in EI, who no longer need to balance caregiving and are ready with renewed energy, focus, and a fresh perspective on collaborating with humans and AI together. Together, we can shape a workforce where women can rise, companies can thrive, and a world not lost of human touch can emerge for generations!

// Welcome Emotional Intelligence back to work in an AI world // 

I am thrilled about this welcome shift!

HI! I am Nicki Wong, and I am rooting for you.

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