Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of Canadian employees said they believe their employers perform strongly on social issues, such as health and safety or equity for women and people of colour, according to a new survey by Leger on behalf of Argyle Public Relationships Inc.
The survey, which polled nearly 1,000 working Canadians, found 70 per cent of respondents said they agree their organization has strong, effective and ethical management and governance practices. And 71 per cent said they know their organization’s social purpose and believe it lives up to this purpose.
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Just over half (56 per cent) of survey respondents agreed their organization performs strongly on environmental issues, such as reducing its negative impact on the climate, while a third (34 per cent) disagreed. “With environmental, social and governance issues rising steadily as drivers of relationship capital, reputation and market value, employees are essential advisors, evaluators and ambassadors for an organization’s authenticity and performance,” said Daniel Tisch, Argyle’s chief executive officer, in a press release. “They clearly believe organizations are making progress on social and governance issues — but still have work to do to reduce their impact on climate change.”
The survey also tracked how respondents viewed their employers’ coronavirus pandemic performance, with 77 per cent agreeing their company managed the crisis well, compared to 19 per cent who disagreed. As well, 72 per cent of respondents said they’re satisfied with their current employer, compared to just over a quarter (26 per cent) who weren’t. And 71 per cent of respondents said they believe their employers takes care of staff, while 70 per cent said they trust their employer.
“Whether you’re confronting the complexities of a virtual workplace or the stressful safety protocols of a physical one, the pandemic has turned the working world upside down,” said Tisch. “As employers and employees navigate and negotiate whatever comes next, they do so on a surprisingly strong foundation of respect and trust.”
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