Do your employees really look forward to work?
An annual study conducted by the University of Toronto found that more than half of workers find fulfillment in their daily work. The Canadian Quality of Work and Economic Life Study, conducted in collaboration with the Angus Reid group, found that 55 percent of respondents look forward to going to work.
According to the study, the factors motivating these workers often include the social aspects of work, the challenges it presents, and the sense of purpose it provides. On the contrary, demotivating factors include commuting, work overload, boredom, and toxic professional relationships.
“It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. My job is constantly changing with many challenges,” one worker says.
“It’s nice to be valued, to do something valuable and be connected to people,” says another.
Among the respondents, seven percent remained neutral on the subject, while 38 percent admitted to not looking forward to work. Reasons cited for this negative sentiment included feelings of overwork, dissatisfaction with pay, and the demanding nature of their roles.
“I’m one of the millions who report for work, do their jobs and come home unsatisfied, dreading the next workday when they repeat the cycle,” a worker contends.
Yet, contrary to prevailing narratives about workplace dissatisfaction, the study suggests that such sentiments are not pervasive.
Professor Scott Schieman, the study's author and sociology professor at the University of Toronto, challenges the notion of widespread workplace negativity. He notes that even during the challenging days of the pandemic, overall job satisfaction remained stable according to the Canadian Quality of Work and Economic Life Study.
The study also found that supervisor approval ratings remained high, possibly attributed to increased understanding and flexibility during tough times. Moreover, feelings of job overload decreased compared to 2019, indicating a positive trend in work-life balance.
Schieman emphasizes the multifaceted value of work beyond economic contributions, highlighting its role in fostering community, purpose, and pride. While acknowledging the challenges, he suggests caution in “tearing work down too much.”
