Hiring News & Trends
Are Canadian Employers Supporting Psychological Health and Safety? Maybe Not, Say Workers
- Many Canadians believe their employer is not equipped to support their psychological health and safety at work, according to a recent TELUS Health report.
- 47% of workers favourably rated their company’s culture around mental health, while 15% have negative perceptions.
- 36% do not perceive (or are unsure) that harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict and other harmful behaviours are quickly and fairly resolved in their workplace.
- 55% rate the mental health benefits and services provided by their employer as excellent, while 17% rated them as poor.
- 21% responded they do not know whether their employer provides mental health benefits or that their employer does not provide mental health benefits.
Source: Canadian HR Reporter
Scott Asselstine Senior Director of Operations Vaco
“Newer generations entering the workforce have distinct expectations of their employers, especially regarding psychological health and safety. Unlike previous generations, today's employees are not just looking for financial stability; they seek workplaces that prioritize mental well-being and provide robust support systems. This shift highlights the need for employers to adapt and offer comprehensive mental health resources, fair resolution of conflicts and a culture that genuinely values employee welfare. Companies that fail to meet these evolving needs risk not only employee dissatisfaction but also higher turnover rates and decreased productivity. It's clear that addressing these concerns is no longer optional but essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive market.”
Hiring News & Trends
AI at Work Is Here—Now Comes the Hard Part
1. Leaders see potential in AI, but they lack a plan.
- 74% of leaders believe their company needs to adopt AI to stay competitive.
- 59% of leaders worry that their organization’s leadership lacks a plan and vision to implement it.
- This challenge, coupled with Canada’s historically cautious “wait-and-see” approach to new technology, could have massive implications in an economy increasingly shaped by AI technologies.
2. Workers are leading AI adoption.
- 62% of knowledge workers use generative AI at work.
- 79% of AI users are bringing their own AI to work.
- 90% say generative AI helps them save time, 84% say it makes them more creative and 83% say it makes them enjoy work more.
3. AI literacy is table stakes for the workforce of the future.
- 63% of leaders would hire a less experienced candidate with AI literacy over a more experienced candidate without.
- 50% of leaders would not hire someone without AI skills.
- In the last year, there has been a 142% increase globally in AI skills like ChatGPT and Copilot added to LinkedIn profiles.
Source: Microsoft
Jim Dimovski Senior Vice President & Executive Partner Vaco
"As AI continues to shape the future of work, its transformative potential is increasingly evident, though its full integration remains a work in progress. While organizations are still formulating their AI strategies, individuals are already embracing AI tools for productivity and creativity. This gap between organizational readiness and individual adoption underscores the need for concerted efforts in AI literacy and strategic implementation. At Vaco, AI is a frequent topic of discussion with clients who are exploring its capabilities. And while AI experience is not yet universally required, its increasing relevance is undeniable. Leaders should prioritize AI education now so they can prepare robust implementation strategies to maximize its transformative potential in the near future."
Hiring News & Trends
Quiet Quitting is Getting Louder: Over 70% of Canadians Want to Leave Their Jobs in the Next Year
- 71% of Canadians are looking to quit their jobs within the next 12 months. In 2022, 61% of respondents said they wanted to leave their positions. Key factors are attributed to:
- Wages not keeping up with inflation
- Job roles
- Benefits
- Increase in cost of living
- 51% of organizations reported wanting to increase their headcount. This means that new job opportunities could be on the rise—making it the right opportunity for dissatisfied workers to jump ship to take on a new role.
- 55% percent of Canadian workers feel more stress this year compared to last year, with 46% saying they feel unmotivated in their current roles.
- 87% of hiring managers anticipate implementing pay raises in the next 12 months, despite global uncertainty.
Source: DH Canada
Dela Akbar Managing Director Vaco
“Many Canadians are unhappy in their current roles due to wages failing to keep pace with inflation, unsatisfactory career growth and mandated return-to-office policies. While some choose to stay in their current positions to weather job market instability, many are searching for new opportunities because their compensation isn't keeping up with the rising cost of living. Changes in work-from-home expectations have also impacted lifestyles and reduced flexibility, prompting job searches.
Additionally, career growth and merit increases are declining or are delayed as hiring managers face budgetary pressures. Organizations succeeding in hiring and retaining top talent are those offering competitive compensation packages, attractive career growth opportunities and work-from-home flexibility.”