Hours and stress levels are up, but so are perceptions of
productivity and quality of work, ADP Canada survey reveals
TORONTO, May 12, 2021 /CNW/ - A new survey
from ADP Canada and Angus Reid
reveals that many Canadian workers, especially those working
remotely as a result of the pandemic, are paying a "COVID Tax" –
the number of additional hours they are working since the start of
the pandemic. While this "tax" is impacting 30 per cent of all
employed Canadians surveyed, it is significantly higher for remote
workers and has increased over the course of the pandemic. Nearly
half (44%) of remote workers say they are logging more hours than
pre-pandemic times. This figure has doubled over the past year (21%
in April 2020 vs. 44% today).
How is the COVID Tax affecting Canadian workers?
Of the 44 percent of respondents reporting working longer hours,
one in ten reported working an additional day or more (8+ hours)
per week. Comparatively, only 15 per cent reported working fewer
hours, while 38 per cent reported no change.
Stress levels are also on the rise. According to self-reported
figures, stress levels rose seven per cent over the past year, from
34 per cent in April 2020 to 41 per
cent in April 2021. Additionally, the
survey found that 46 per cent of remote workers surveyed were
feeling less engaged with their work since the start of the
pandemic.
"By encouraging employees to take vacation time and regular
breaks, to monitor their stress levels and seek support if needed,
and by introducing policies for after-hours work or educating on
the right to disconnect, employers can help protect the physical
and mental health of employees," said Ed
Yuen, Vice-President Strategy and Business Development at
ADP Canada.
Perceptions of productivity and quality of work on the
rise.
Despite working longer hours, 42 per cent of Canadian remote
workers are feeling more productive and over a third (37 per cent)
have noticed an increase in the quality of their work, a
significant year-over-year increase when compared to April of last
year, when 19 per cent and 21 per cent of remote workers reported
increased quality of work and productivity respectively, as a
result of working from home.
The survey also revealed greater recognition for employees'
personal responsibilities, as boundaries between work and home have
blurred. Over half (53%) of employed Canadians indicated their
employer enables them to work a modified schedule when they must
fulfill personal responsibilities during work hours.
"After a year of monitoring how workplaces have evolved
and responded to the pandemic, it appears that many companies have
moved to flexible work hours or hybrid work models," added Yuen.
"While many of these policies were a 'perk' a few months back, they
are now commonplace. For some, this flexibility seems to have
improved productivity and quality of work. Not only has the
pandemic brought the workplace into Canadians' homes, it also
brought a little bit of their homes to the workplace."
Other Survey Findings
Vaccinations and Mental Health
- 80% of working Canadians believe their employers should play a
role in supporting the distribution of vaccines to their employees,
and the first thing they identified as a preference is paid time
off, followed by onsite vaccination clinics, and, then, information
and resources
- 46% of employed Canadians reported their employer instituted
initiatives to support mental health and wellness at their
workplace during COVID-19. On the contrary, seven-in-ten (69%) said
their employer had not instituted any initiatives to help with
fatigue related to video-conferencing platforms
Survey Methodology
An online survey of 1501 working Canadians (including those
working full and part time) was completed between April 14th and April 15th, 2021, among members of the
Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of
this size has an estimated margin of error of +/- 2.5
percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About ADP Canada
ADP aims to improve the working conditions of employees by
compiling relevant data, offering exceptional service, and
encouraging the use of cutting-edge products that help companies
support their people and reach their full potential. ADP is the
largest provider of HR services in North
America. It supports over 700,000 clients in more than 110
countries.
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.