The majority (85 per cent) of Canadian employees say they’re interested in jobs that offer hybrid or fully remote working arrangements, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 1,100 workers, found 73 per cent of employees who could work when and where they’re most productive put in more hours than they did three years ago. More than two-fifths (43 per cent) also reported higher job satisfaction despite working longer hours.
Read: Canadian employers increasing salaries, offering remote work to attract talent: survey
A quarter of workers said they’d take a pay cut for the ability to work fully remotely, a percentage that increased among marketing and creative professionals (40 per cent), employees aged 18 to 25 (33 per cent) and working parents (32 per cent). However, two-fifths (40 per cent) of employees who are working remotely said they’re concerned about being passed over for project opportunities and promotions.
The survey also found two-thirds (65 per cent) of respondents reported having more effective relationships with colleagues they’ve met face to face versus those they haven’t. And more workers said they’re comfortable collaborating with colleagues in person (47 per cent) than virtually (34 per cent).
“Flexibility over where and when they work is a major priority for professionals and companies should continue to offer employees a level of autonomy over this, to attract and retain top talent and boost productivity and employee satisfaction,” said David King, senior managing director at Robert Half Canada and South America, in a press release. “However, it’s important to take into account how relationships with colleagues can benefit from in-person collaboration and team-building opportunities.”
Read: 51% of U.S. hybrid, remote workers would quit their jobs if mandated to return to office: survey