More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of Canadian hiring managers are reporting an increase in employee productivity compared to last year, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada.
The survey, which polled 1,800 hiring managers and more than 1,750 employees, found among hiring managers, the factors that contributed the most to increased productivity were the hiring of full-time employees (31 per cent), improved management practices (31 per cent), enhanced staff training (31 per cent) and the adoption of new technologies (29 per cent).
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As the world emerged from the coronavirus pandemic, employers faced challenges in managing people in remote and hybrid working models, as well as in optimizing worker productivity, says Sandra Lavoy, Robert Half’s regional vice-president. Today, she notes employers’ three main challenges are integrating artificial intelligence technologies, economic uncertainty and revenue growth. To contend with these three challenges, it’s important for employers to streamline efficiencies, with a particular focus on change management. “You look at those three [areas], productivity needs to be at the highest level.”
The survey found roughly 30 per cent of employees reported increased efficiency due to the implementation of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, that can automate time-consuming tasks and free them up for strategic thinking. Generation Z workers were most likely to report improved productivity using AI (47 per cent), followed by millennials (32 per cent) generation X (23 per cent) and baby boomers (14 per cent).
Younger generations have grown up learning in virtual environments and using AI technologies, notes Lavoy. “It’s important to understand the benefits, as when [integrated], . . . [these technologies won’t] replace collaboration, teamwork and culture. The challenge for managers [will be] to manage the [use of] AI, while maintaining company culture.”
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Flexibility is also fuelling worker focus and productivity. Indeed, when asked about incentives and work arrangements that would boost engagement and productivity, respondents cited hybrid work options (52 per cent), flexible work hours (42 per cent) and compressed workweeks (27 per cent).
“[Flexible working] allows for more focused approach for employees, it leads to higher engagement levels and . . . less chance of burnout. Let’s be honest, with economic times being the way they are, companies are lean [and] in some cases, even understaffed. But when you treat your employees well, allowing flexibility . . . is really good for added productivity.”
However, while productivity is up, nearly a third (29 per cent) of employees are logging more hours compared to the previous year. More than half (52 per cent) of managers said they send emails to employees outside of regular business hours and more than a quarter (28 per cent) expect responses before the next business day. It’s important for employers to not communicate with employees outside of work hours as it could lead to increased anxiety, says Lavoy, noting Ontario has introduced right-to-disconnect legislation. Other provinces, such as Quebec and Prince Edward Island, are exploring similar legislation.
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