Copyright_kantver_123RF

A third (31 per cent) of Canadian employees say they rely on gig work in some capacity to help cover regular expenses, according to a new survey by ADP Canada.

The survey, which polled more than 1,200 employees, found among gig workers, 17 per cent said gig work is their primary source of income for covering expenses. The main industries solicited by gig workers are transportation, retail and grocery.

Read: Survey finds 47% of Canadian workers happy with current role, responsibilities

On a scale of one to 10, workers reported an average happiness score of 6.7, up from 6.6 in October. By generation, baby boomers reported the highest happiness score (7.2), followed by generation Z (7.0), millennials (6.8) and generation X (6.3).

Almost half (46 per cent) of workers said they feel satisfied with their current roles and responsibilities. The top indicator driving workplace happiness was work-life balance (6.8), followed by recognition and support (6.6), compensation and benefits (6.2) and options for career advancement (6.0).

“As the holiday season approaches and workers settle into a new season, we observe an uptick in workplace happiness,” said Heather Haslam, vice-president of marketing at ADP Canada, in a press release. “However, as the cost of living rises alongside the added pressures of holiday spending, employers should prioritize resources that help employees manage financial stress, such as flexible benefits, financial wellness programs and access to budgeting tools.”

Read: 32% of Canadian employees saving less during the summer: survey