Half (50 per cent) of Canadian workers are now more likely to prioritize their health and well-being over work, compared to a global average of 53 per cent, according to a new survey by Microsoft Corp.
The survey, which polled more than 31,000 full-time employed or self-employed workers across 31 countries, found 37 per cent of Canadian respondents are somewhat or extremely likely to consider changing employers this year, up slightly from 35 per cent in 2021. About half (52 per cent) of generation Z and millennial respondents, as well as 52 per cent)of pandemic hires, are considering a new job in the next year.
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Eight in 10 Canadian workers said they’re as productive or even more productive compared to a year ago. About half (48 per cent) are considering a switch to remote or hybrid work in the year ahead, while 43 per cent who are currently in a hybrid work arrangement are seeking to become fully remote in the next year. Another half (49 per cent) said they’re open to using digital immersive spaces in the metaverse for meetings or team gatherings in the next year and 42 per cent are open to representing themselves as an avatar in these virtual meetings.
However, Canadian hybrid workers and remote workers said they feel lonelier (57 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively) and have fewer friendships (61 per cent and 55 per cent, respectively) since moving to these arrangements. And while 31 per cent of hybrid employees said their biggest challenge is knowing when and why to come into the office, only 20 per cent of business leaders have created new team agreements for hybrid work.
The survey also found 46 per cent of business leaders said they fear productivity has been negatively impacted since a shift to remote or hybrid work and 44 per cent said they have plans for a full in-person return to the office this year.
Two-thirds (67 per cent) of business leaders said they don’t have the influence or resources they need to implement change for their team and 53 per cent of Canadian managers said leadership is out of touch with employee expectations.
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