A survey from ADP Canada, conducted with Maru Public Opinion, has found that over half of employees in the country report having a negative feeling about work. (Photo 79388843 © Mark Adams | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Is This You?

Survey finds nearly one-third of workers in Canada feel tired and overworked

Nov 1, 2023 | 3:00 PM

Findings from a new survey by ADP Canada show that over half of employees in the country report having a negative feeling about work.

The survey was conducted with Maru Public Opinion. Between Sept. 15 and 19, 1,842 employed Canadian adults, who are Maru Voice Canada panelists, were surveyed.

Results showed that 53 per cent of respondents in Canada have a negative feeling about work and 30 per cent feel tired and overworked.

Work-life balance was listed as the top priority for 29 per cent of survey respondents, and in the top three priorities of 68 per cent. Rounding out the top three areas of importance for workers was compensation and benefits, and family considerations.

The questionnaire found that Millennials and Gen X workers are more inclined to prioritize work-life balance, at 30 per cent, while Boomers prioritize their families, at 26 per cent. On the other hand, employees in the Gen Z demographic were found to be less likely to prioritize compensation (13 per cent) than the other generations surveyed.

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Ed Yuen, the vice-president of strategy and HR outsourcing at ADP Canada said, “The survey results re-affirm the need for employers to connect with workers.”

“Face-to-face time, coaching sessions and regular check-ins – particularly with the younger workforce, can help employers build trust and be better equipped to support their teams,” Yuen said.

EXTERNAL FACTORS

Inflation and the economy were found to cause stress for 70 per cent of workers surveyed.

Almost a quarter of workers, at 23 per cent, are considering exploring other job opportunities. However, despite the challenges, 39 per cent of employees surveyed believe they are in the right workplace.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOYER

The survey found that 77 per cent of employees trust their managers, despite some reporting mixed feelings. Respondents indicated better levels of feedback and comfort with their managers than last year. The results showed that 72 per cent of managers believe their employees are happy.

At the same time, 58 per cent of workers indicate that their workplaces take their goals and input seriously. That is a five percentage point increase from last year’s 53 per cent.

Regular check-ins remain a standard practice at Canadian workplaces, as 42 per cent of respondents meet with their managers or management teams weekly, which creates an environment where 74 per cent of employees said they feel comfortable going to their manager to voice concerns.

Yuen noted, “Positive year-over-year progress in feedback, trust and comfort between managers and employees in the Canadian workplace is promising to see.”

“However, with more than half of workers feeling negatively towards their workplace, it suggests additional opportunities for employers to reassess and develop current workplace practices including regular one-on-one check-ins, flexible schedules and open conversations regarding compensation and benefits for current and potential employees.”