One out of three Canadians say they are very satisfied with their current employer, according to the latest Randstad Workmonitor study, which surveys employees in 32 countries around the world.
When the survey results are combined, 76% of Canadian workers say they are either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” at work, which places Canada as the highest ranked amongst the 14 non-European countries. In Europe, only Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland reported higher levels of workers being ‘very satisfied’ with their current employers.
“There are a number of reasons why Canadians have more on the job satisfaction than other markets,” said Jan Hein Bax, president of Randstad Canada. “With our strong marketplace, employees often find they have more job security and flexibility than other countries, and better work environments.”
Job security
The importance of job security has become more significant to employees due to the economic challenges experienced over the last few years. In 2011, Randstad Canada enlisted an independent firm to survey over 7,000 Canadians and the results clearly show that job security is a factor that Canadians truly care about. Over half (53%) of survey respondents ranked job security as one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an employer.
“Job satisfaction is about more than just salary and compensation. Many of today’s employees are looking for a sense of security, one in which they do not fear that their jobs will be in jeopardy,” said Bax.
Flexibility
Because of the looming labour shortages, more and more employers are becoming sensitive to their employees’ needs. Canadian organizations are putting in extra efforts to make sure their employees are evolving in a flexible and accommodating environment that will help them achieve a suitable work life balance, another important value for Canadian workers.
“Forward-looking organizations know that they need to adapt to the needs of a diversified workforce to keep their employees happy and retain their talent,” said Bax.
Work environment
Corporate culture and work environment is a key determinant for Canadians making the choice to stay with an organization. The results from last year’s independent survey also highlight that a pleasant work atmosphere ranked as the number one, most important factor (according to six out of ten respondents), when seeking an employer.
“Even with the stresses and pressure the workplace can sometimes bring, Canadians find great comfort in their relationships with colleagues and managers,” explained Bax. “Even by taking part in corporate social and charitable activities, employees gain a sense of pride that is in tune with their need to contribute positively to society. Many Canadian businesses support employee volunteering programs, and this resonates well with the values of Canadian workers.”