46% of employees would move for job with better pay, perks: survey

Employers looking to recruit talent from other cities and provinces should consider boosting their relocation benefits and services, according to a new survey by staffing firm Robert Half Canada Inc.

The survey found almost half (46 per cent) of employees said they’d consider moving if they had better pay and perks.

Despite this, more than a third (37 per cent) of employers surveyed don’t provide assistance for employees who are moving for their career. Also, 34 per cent said they haven’t changed their relocation packages in the last five years, and seven per cent said they’ve actually decreased how much support they offer employees who are relocating.

Read: A look at the challenges of an increasingly mobile workforce

“While there are a number of personal and professional reasons [for why] workers may make a move, attractive relocation packages alongside competitive pay, perks and growth opportunities are key motivators,” said Greg Scileppi, president of international staffing operations at Robert Half, in a news release.

Besides better work compensation, 18 per cent of employees surveyed said they’d move to a new city for family or personal reasons and 16 per cent for better cost of living.

“In today’s tight hiring environment, many employers are open to looking at skilled job seekers outside their local market,” said Scileppi. “By considering candidates in other cities, companies are able to explore a greater pool of professional talent and secure the expertise they need to keep their business competitive.”

Read: Benefits considerations for your international workers