In the race for top talent, especially in high-demand sectors like AI and tech, some companies are now paying employees not to work, just to stop them from joining competitors. Is this smart business, an ethical grey zone, or a sign the talent war has gone too far?



We explore how golden handcuffs — lucrative or restrictive retention strategies — are changing how companies protect talent in Malaysia with Selvamalar Alagaratnam, Partner & Head of the Employment Practice Group at Skrine. We discuss what’s legal, what’s fair, and how should both employers and employees respond?

In the race for top talent, especially in high-demand sectors like AI and tech, some companies are now paying employees not to work, just to stop them from joining competitors. Is this smart business, an ethical grey zone, or a sign the talent war has gone too far?We explore how golden handcuffs — lucrative or restrictive retention strategies — are changing how companies protect talent in Malaysia with Selvamalar Alagaratnam, Partner &amp; Head of the Employment Practice Group at Skrine. We discuss what’s legal, what’s fair, and how should both employers and employees respond?

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

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