In the Malaysian workplace culture, the word “lah” appears everywhere. “Can lah”, “Don’t worry lah”, or “Sure or not ah?”. To outsiders, these phrases may sound overly casual or even unprofessional. Nonetheless, to Malaysians, they signal warmth, familiarity, and reassurance. These small linguistic markers bring more closeness than formal corporate language ever could, which humanises our intentions.
“I had a small but memorable moment at work recently with a colleague from the Middle East. During a particularly stressful day, she looked at me and said, “Don’t worry lahh,” stretching the word just enough to sound comforting and sincere. I laughed and, strangely enough. I did better. What stood out was not just the humour, but how naturally she had adopted a word so deeply rooted in Malaysian culture”, said Azwin Zulkarnain.
The use of “lah” is not accidental. It softens statements, turns instructions into gentle encouragement, and reduces tension in stressful situations. A simple “Can lah” feels far more supportive than a plain “Yes”. “Don’t worry lah” communicates empathy in a way that feels personal rather than procedural. In many ways, “lah” reflects how Malaysians value harmony and emotional connection, even in professional settings.
Interestingly, many foreigners working in Malaysia picks up “lah” quickly, not through formal learning but by observation and participation. According to Azwin Zulkarnain, her colleague’s effortless use of it was not about imitation; it was about connection. By using “lah”, she signaled belonging. A quiet way of saying, “I understand your rhythm.” This shared linguistic space helps newcomers feel included while allowing Malaysians to feel seen and understood.
Of course, there are limits. In formal or international contexts, “lah” may not always be appropriate. Clear communication still matters. But a healthy workplace is one that knows how to balance professionalism with authenticity. Allowing space for culturally meaningful expressions fosters trust, empathy, and psychological safety.
In an era where efficiency often dominates workplace culture, “lah” remind us of something essential: work is done by people, not just systems. Empathy does not always come from grand gestures or long conversations. Sometimes, it comes from a familiar word spoken at the right moment.
At its core, “lah” reflects the Malaysian spirit including warm, inclusive and quietly reassuring. And in the busiest of workplace, that small word can still make a big difference.