HIRING NEWS & TRENDS
The 'Great Detachment': How to Help Workers Feel Connected at Work
The ‘great detachment’ is taking over Gen Z workers at many workplaces and is largely attributed to the remote work setup.
- The average Canadian remote worker speaks to someone else only 4.2 times a week. As a result, 50% of Gen Z participants noticed a decline in their social skills, and 25% reported a decline in verbal skills.
- 43% of Canadians believe that their social skills have declined due to limited in-person interactions during remote work.
- Disengaged workers see their performance output drop upwards of 10%.
- Employers should enhance office experiences to justify in-person attendance and integrate team-building activities to improve engagement and connection among both in-office and remote workers.
Source: Canadian HR Reporter
The ‘great detachment’ is taking over Gen Z workers at many workplaces and is largely attributed to the remote work setup.
- The average Canadian remote worker speaks to someone else only 4.2 times a week. As a result, 50% of Gen Z participants noticed a decline in their social skills, and 25% reported a decline in verbal skills.
- 43% of Canadians believe that their social skills have declined due to limited in-person interactions during remote work.
- Disengaged workers see their performance output drop upwards of 10%.
- Employers should enhance office experiences to justify in-person attendance and integrate team-building activities to improve engagement and connection among both in-office and remote workers.
Source: Canadian HR Reporter
Sebastien Lamarche
Managing Director - Vaco
"To combat the growing trend of detachment, especially among Gen Z workers, organizations should consider taking a proactive approach to engagement. Whether managing permanent or contract talent, it's crucial to create meaningful opportunities for connection—both in-person and virtually.
Employers should reimagine the office experience, especially as they prioritize more face-to-face interactions, and offer collaborative and engaging spaces that make in-person attendance worthwhile. At the same time, remote teams need tailored virtual interactions, such as regular team-building exercises and structured check-ins, to strengthen relationships. By prioritizing these strategies, organizations can foster a culture where workers feel connected, valued and motivated, leading to higher productivity and overall job satisfaction. Jointly sharing in these efforts and risks, hiring organizations are looking for deeper partnerships with their talent solutions providers, including statements of work that account for turnover, work quality and output, and measured value."
HIRING NEWS & TRENDS
Skills-Based Hiring is Gaining Ground with Employers and Candidates
- 81% of employers are using skills-based hiring methods in 2024, up from 73% in 2023 and 56% in 2022.
- 94% of employers agree that skills-based hiring is more predictive of on-the-job success than CVs.
- 68% of workers want to see organizations increase their use of skill-based hiring.
- Marketing leads the adoption of skills-based hiring at 95%, followed by construction and scientific/technical services at 89%.
- 81% of candidates say they have gained access to new employment opportunities because of skills-based hiring.
- 59% of employers say it is more important for candidates to have degree qualifications in their hiring process.
Source: Talent Canada
- 81% of employers are using skills-based hiring methods in 2024, up from 73% in 2023 and 56% in 2022.
- 94% of employers agree that skills-based hiring is more predictive of on-the-job success than CVs.
- 68% of workers want to see organizations increase their use of skill-based hiring.
- Marketing leads the adoption of skills-based hiring at 95%, followed by construction and scientific/technical services at 89%.
- 81% of candidates say they have gained access to new employment opportunities because of skills-based hiring.
- 59% of employers say it is more important for candidates to have degree qualifications in their hiring process.
Source: Talent Canada
Melissa Phillippi
VP of Organization Development & Talent Management – Vaco
"In today’s competitive job market, skills-based hiring offers a crucial solution for organizations struggling to fill technical roles and niche, high-skilled positions. By focusing on candidates’ capabilities rather than traditional credentials like degrees, companies can tap into broader, more diverse talent pools.
This approach not only addresses immediate workforce shortages but also drives long-term business success by bringing in individuals with the right skills to meet evolving industry demands. As we look ahead, the organizations that adopt a skills-first mindset will be better positioned to attract, retain and develop talent, while also fostering innovation and growth within their organizations.
AI can further enhance this approach by helping organizations build a dynamic skills taxonomy. By analyzing workforce data to identify key competencies, AI enables more effective skills-based hiring, promotion and resource allocation, ensuring that talent is aligned with organizational needs."
HIRING NEWS & TRENDS
70% of Canadian Workers Say Flexibility is Key to Job Satisfaction
63% of workers in hybrid work arrangements are satisfied with their setup, reporting an average mental-health score of 68.2, higher than the national average.
NEARLY
OF HYBRID WORKERS
said flexible scheduling (31%) or the ability to work remotely when needed (30%) would most improve their work situation.
OF WORKERS
prefer not to work onsite due to commuting time and costs.
OF RESPONDENTS
believe work-life balance is key to their well-being, followed by access to health benefits (18%), a sense of purpose (13%) and a positive workplace (11%).
OF WORKERS
find setting boundaries between work and life crucial for ending the day energized, with other factors like self-care (18%), task delegation (16%), clear work priorities (13%) and open communication with colleagues and leaders (12%) also playing a key role.
Source: Benefits Canada
63% of workers in hybrid work arrangements are satisfied with their setup, reporting an average mental-health score of 68.2, higher than the national average.
NEARLY
OF HYBRID WORKERS
said flexible scheduling (31%) or the ability to work remotely when needed (30%) would most improve their work situation.
OF WORKERS
prefer not to work onsite due to commuting time and costs.
OF RESPONDENTS
believe work-life balance is key to their well-being, followed by access to health benefits (18%), a sense of purpose (13%) and a positive workplace (11%).
OF WORKERS
find setting boundaries between work and life crucial for ending the day energized, with other factors like self-care (18%), task delegation (16%), clear work priorities (13%) and open communication with colleagues and leaders (12%) also playing a key role.
Scott Asselstine
Senior Director of Operations - Vaco
"The majority of Canadian job seekers are searching for a flexible work environment that accommodates their scheduling needs, commitments and working locations. Often the commutes in major metropolitan areas can take hours of productivity away and create additional stressors that impact the overall happiness and health of workers.
Businesses need to be able to attract and retain talent by offering a flexible environment, but also need to ensure that productivity is able to be measured and observed while employees are outside of the physical workspace. Working arrangements continue to be an evolving topic and one that needs to be addressed with bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each organization. Whether it's remote, hybrid or in-office setups, flexibility and adaptability are key to fostering productivity and job satisfaction."
