One-third of working Canadians surveyed say
work-life balance plays a more important role than prior to the
pandemic
TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - While salary and benefits
historically top the list of incentives for current and prospective
employees, a new study by ADP Canada and Maru Public Opinion
indicates work-life balance now outweighs pay. The study found
respondents prioritizing work-life balance as a top factor for
remaining in their current workplace and when exploring new
opportunities.
Eyeing New Industries and Opportunities
While there is no doubt the pandemic hasn't left any sector
untouched, it's also affected how working Canadians feel about
their industry or current position. According to the survey, 15 per
cent of employed Canadians voluntarily transitioned to a new
position, a new industry or left the workforce altogether during
the pandemic. When looking at just remote workers, that number grew
to 22 per cent.
When asked why they decided to change their career path, working
Canadians cited changes in their personal lives (33%), the
need to limit workload and stress (29%) and the desire for more
flexible hours (28%) as their top three reasons - underscoring that
work-life balance played a key role in their decision for
change.
As for who's been making the jump to a new industry, young
Canadians, aged 18-34, were the most likely to report
transitioning to a new industry during the pandemic at 13 per
cent, compared to only three per cent of those aged 35-54.
The Rise of Remote Work
Throughout the pandemic, many industries transitioned to remote
work. What started as a short-term solution is now a new way of
life for many Canadian employees, and an expectation for new
candidates.
According to the survey, nine-out-of-ten remote workers hope to
continue working remotely some or all days during the week, citing,
work-life balance as the most important factor. When asked to
compare their current priorities to those before the pandemic, 31
per cent of working Canadians say that a job that respects their
work-life balance is more important to them now, compared to only
20 per cent who felt salary had become more important.
This focus on work-life balance was even more apparent when it
came to remote workers, with 39 per cent saying work-life balance
is more important to them now than pre-pandemic. Canadians aged
35-54 also felt this way, with 42 per cent putting work-life
balance at the top of the list, compared to 37 per cent of
respondents aged 18-34 and 38 per cent of respondents aged 55+.
"The data shows there has been a significant shift in what
working Canadians value within their current workplace, and what
they're looking for from future employers," said Heather Haslam, Vice President Marketing, ADP
Canada. "For what appears to be the first time ever, more and more
Canadians - especially those who work remotely - are prioritizing
work-life balance, over salary."
Impact on Recruiting
This prioritization of work-life balance also appears to be
influencing how companies recruit new talent.
According to the survey, one-in-five (19%) of employed Canadians
have been approached by a competing employer in the past six months
offering better work conditions – and this strategy appears to be
working. When asked about their next work-life move, 63 per cent of
Canadians have started to think about it.
As to what they're looking for in a new role, work-life balance
topped the list once again, with one-third (32%) of working
Canadians stating that an organization that respects their
work-life balance is most important to them when they're looking
for a new job. This was followed by salary at 25 per cent.
"This data draws a clear picture of what working Canadians are
looking for, and what workplaces should be prioritizing as we move
forward," adds Haslam. "Work and life are not independent entities
fighting for a 50/50 balance. To attract and retain
employees, companies need to acknowledge work and life are
intertwined with one affecting the other."
Survey Methodology
From September 1st to
September 3rd 2021, an
online survey of 3,032 randomly selected Canadian adults who
are Maru Voice Canada panelists
(of whom 1,775 were employed) was executed by Maru/Blue. For
comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an
estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of
+/- 2.2%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been weighted
by education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec, language) to match the population,
according to Census data. Discrepancies in or between totals are
due to rounding.
About ADP Canada
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products,
premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to
reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management,
Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for
people. For more information about ADP Canada
visit www.adp.ca or follow us on
Twitter @ADP_CDA.
SOURCE ADP Canada Co.