Dedicated and Unsatisfied in Life among Female Government Servants in Malaysia: How Long Until they Reach the Top?

This study investigates the factors influencing female public sector employees' dedication and career progression in Sabah, Malaysia. A quantitative analysis was conducted on survey data from 348 female government workers in Kota Kinabalu, examining their experiences with work-life conflict, work engagement, and marital status. The research reveals a crucial finding: although these women are highly committed and engaged in their work, this dedication paradoxically correlates with lower overall life satisfaction. This indicates a profound disconnect between their professional contributions and personal well-being, suggesting a systemic issue where their hard work may not be met with the recognition and fulfillment they seek to "reach the top". Drawing on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the results indicate that these women have met mainly their basic security needs through stable government employment, but struggle to achieve the higher-level needs of esteem and self-actualization. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, urging them to implement initiatives addressing these underlying issues to foster a work environment where female government servants can achieve professional advancement and personal well-being.