Dr. Kia Hui Gan, Head of Programme and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Australian Degree Programs (CADP) at INTI International College Penang, has published a comprehensive study on how the psychosocial safety climate (PSC) influences job satisfaction and work engagement among young academicians in Malaysian research universities.
Dr. Kia Hui Gan, Head of Programme and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Australian Degree Programs (CADP), INTI International College Penang, examines how psychosocial safety climate impacts young academics’ well-being and engagement.
Her research, titled “Unlocking the Influence of Psychosocial Safety Climate on Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction: Exploring the Mediating Role of Job Demands”, addresses the increasing pressures faced by early-career academics in the post-pandemic education landscape. It emphasises the urgent need for institutional policies that focus on psychological well-being and structured workplace support.
Young academic staff often juggle heavy teaching loads, uncertain career paths, and growing research obligations. Dr. Gan’s study reveals that these demands, when unmet with adequate organisational support, increase the risk of burnout and disengagement. The study focuses on PSC—defined as management’s commitment to safeguarding psychological health—as a vital factor in managing this risk.
“PSC is more than just a workplace policy; it reflects an institution’s culture and values,” said Dr. Gan. “When young academics feel psychologically safe and supported, they are more engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles.”
Utilising the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, Dr. Gan analysed how job demands interact with PSC to affect academic staff. The findings indicate that while excessive demands tend to diminish job satisfaction, a high PSC can mitigate these effects by ensuring access to resources, mentorship, and emotional support.
Significantly, the study also found that job demands are not inherently negative. Many young academics perceive high expectations as opportunities for growth if they function within a climate that prioritises well-being.
“Challenging job roles can be motivating,” Dr. Gan explained. “But without a supportive climate, even the most driven individuals can feel overwhelmed. That’s where PSC makes a difference.”
The research urges university leadership to foster a high-PSC environment through open communication, inclusive decision-making, and targeted support systems such as employee assistance programmes, structured mentorship, and a robust digital learning infrastructure.
As Malaysia seeks to enhance its academic talent pool and global standing, these findings provide timely guidance for higher education leaders and policymakers. Dr. Gan’s study reinforces the importance of a healthy psychosocial environment in retaining and nurturing young academic talent.
“Our young academics are the backbone of future research and innovation,” Dr. Gan emphasised. “Universities must take deliberate steps to build environments that support their well-being, especially in times of change and uncertainty.”
Her work contributes to the growing body of evidence that identifies PSC as a key driver of organisational health. Institutions that invest in a strong psychosocial safety climate can benefit not only from improved staff engagement and satisfaction but also from enhanced long-term academic resilience and performance
Employee engagement strengthens when leadership, collaboration, and psychological safety converge.