An increase in burnout (32 per cent) and work hours (28 per cent), as well as difficulty unplugging (27 per cent) and challenges communicating with colleagues (24 per cent) are among the top reasons Canadian office workers would consider leaving their jobs, according to a new survey by software company ServiceNow.

The survey, which polled more than 1,500 office-based employees, noted traditional, pre-coronavirus pandemic workplace policies and compensation aren’t enough to attract and retain talent, forcing employers to reassess the employee experience within their companies. Indeed, it found 71 per cent of respondents said they’d never take a job that’s frustrating or unrewarding, even if the pay is higher.

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“The employee experience has become the new currency in the search for talent and it’s critical that companies remain competitive,” said Marc LeCuyer, vice-president and general manager at ServiceNow Canada, in a press release. “Experiences are shaped by the type of work employees do every day. Having work that feels impactful or important and where you feel you’re contributing to a larger goal or purpose are key to building great experiences at work.”

While more employers have invested in technology during the pandemic, 67 per cent of survey respondents agreed they want their employers to invest more in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence that could enable staff to get menial tasks done more efficiently, leaving more time for meaningful work.

The survey also found Canadian office employees felt the benefits of AI in the workplace include its potential to reduce stress (46 per cent), free up time (33 per cent) and reduce burnout (23 per cent).

“Employers have to find ways to reduce the low value work,” said LeCuyer. “Using digital tools can fill the gap to make every day work simpler, easier and faster to free up time for employees to focus on the more essential and fulfilling aspects of their jobs — the work only humans can do.”

Read: How are employers supporting the big shift to remote work?