Employees would change jobs for a better work-life balance
Job seekers are putting a premium on both wellbeing and remuneration for 2024, according to Randstad Canada.
Randstad's 2023 Employer Brand Research found that 76 percent of workers prioritize non-material benefits when choosing their future employer, these include flexible working hours, training, recognition, and a company's values. Furthermore, 79 percent consider compensation as a crucial factor in their decision-making process.
Canadians want work-life balance
The importance of remote work and flexible hours can’t be understated, with many Canadians expressing a willingness to change jobs if faced with a return to a full-time, in-person work model. The 2024 Salary Guide from Randstad Canada found that close to half (40 percent) of respondents would consider changing jobs for a better work-life balance.
The search for a better work-life balance also ranked as the primary reason for employees to quit, followed by inadequate pay relative to the rising cost of living.
“This transition marks a significant turning point where wellbeing at work has nearly become equal to salary in employees' considerations for 2023,” says Brent Dul, Executive Vice President at Randstad Canada.
“The past few years have led to radical changes in the job market, and we observe employees who are less and less willing to part with the benefits gained since the pandemic. This is all the more paramount for women and people with higher levels of education, who place greater importance on non-material benefits,” Dul adds.
Employers that champion inclusion win
On top of personal benefits, employees seek companies that align with their values and champion inclusion and fairness, with over 23 percent of Canadian employees preferring unemployment over working for a company that is misaligned with their values.
Gender pay equity remains a challenge, with 32 percent of women in the workplace feeling that no significant progress has been made towards gender equality. Additionally, 25 percent report that their employers only talk about the issue, but don’t take concrete action.
To attract and retain top talent, employers must implement practices that ultimately align with employees' needs.
