The post-pandemic office may be different, as
many Canadians prefer remote work, flex hours
TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2020 /CNW/ - As many Canadians head
back to their place of work, a new survey by ADP Canada and
Maru/Blue indicates a shift in attitude towards the traditional
workplace. The survey found that 45 percent of working Canadians
surveyed say they would prefer to work remotely at least three days
a week and more than one quarter would prefer to work flex hours.
Respondents, including managers and front-line employees, also said
that remote work did not have a significant impact on productivity,
quality of work and hours of work. While over half of employees
surveyed (55%) say their employer has continued to allow remote and
flexible work throughout COVID-19, it's clear that employers have
an opportunity to embrace flexible work options beyond the
pandemic.
Although the findings show strong support for flexible and
remote work options, 69 percent of respondents are not willing to
accept reduced compensation for the changes, which, prior to the
pandemic, were sometimes seen as a perk. In addition, only four
percent of workers said they would consider accepting reduced
compensation to work reduced hours, for example, a four-day work
week. Most Canadians surveyed (45%) also feel that remote workers
have equal opportunity for job promotion and career
advancement.
"It's clear that employees want to choose how and when they
work. Employers that embrace flexibility within their culture may
improve employee engagement, retention and performance," says
Heather Haslam, Vice President of
Marketing at ADP Canada. "However, flexible work requires the
appropriate tools to support collaboration, productivity, workplace
culture and engagement in a remote environment."
The younger generation of workers appear particularly drawn to
remote work, with 61 percent of workers aged 18 to 34 saying they
prefer to work remotely at least three days a week, compared to 43
percent of workers over 35. Additionally, only 13 percent of
workers aged 18 to 34 said their job does not allow remote
work, compared to one quarter of workers aged over 35.
So, what will the workplace look like in five years? While
just under half (44%) of Canadians surveyed do not think the
workplace will change drastically, more than one quarter believe
their employer will offer more flexible work options. Additionally,
nearly one quarter believe most employees will work
remotely in the future and six percent believe the workplace
will be entirely virtual.
Those aged 18 to 34 are more likely to believe the workplace
will change, compared to other age groups: 44 per cent believe
their employer will offer more flexible work options in the next
five years, compared to only a quarter of workers over
35.
Canadians Have Mixed Feelings About Returning to the
Workplace
While over half of Canadians surveyed have already returned to
the workplace (53%) most have mixed feelings about going back to
their workplace - with some looking forward to returning (13%),
others feeling anxious (12%), and some not wanting to return at all
(15%). Of those who were feeling anxious about returning to the
workplace or who did not want to return, the majority (73%) said
it's because they would prefer to work remotely. Over half were
also concerned about catching the virus (56%) and worried their
employer may not take the necessary steps to protect them (30%)
from COVID-19.
Although anxious, results also show most employees
(84%) believe their employer has taken the necessary
precautions to protect workers from COVID-19. Over two-thirds of
respondents say their employer has increased sanitization and
cleaning of workspaces (66%), implemented social distancing
measures (64%) or has provided protective barriers and
equipment (51%).
"While it appears most employees feel their employer has taken
the necessary precautions to protect them, ongoing communication
and education can help ease additional anxiety Canadians may be
experiencing," says Heather Haslam,
Vice President of Marketing at ADP Canada. "By sharing a clear
re-opening plan and setting expectations, employers can mitigate
health and safety concerns and ensure employees are aware of new
policies and what to expect when they come back to work."
Regional Findings:
Atlantic Canada
- Most likely to have returned to workplace (67%)
- Most likely to report that their workplace has put social
distancing measures in place (73% vs. 64% national average) or has
reduced the number of employees coming to work (25% vs. 44%
national average)
Quebec
- Most likely to strongly agree their workplace has taken all
necessary precautions to protect their employees (66% vs. national
average of 59%)
- Most likely to believe that employees working from home have
equal opportunities for promotion and job advancement (64% vs.
national average of 45%)
Ontario
- Least likely to have returned to workplace (46% vs. 53%
national average)
- Most likely to prefer flexible hours (31% vs. national average
of 28%)
Prairies
- Least likely to claim they don't want to return to workplace
(7% vs. 15% national average)
British Columbia and
Alberta
- Most likely to believe there will be no drastic changes to how
Canadians work in the future (50% compared to 44% average)
Survey Methodology
An online survey of 1,538 working Canadians (including those
working full and part time) was completed between August 10 and 20, 2020, using Maru/Blue's
online panel. The margin of error for this study was +/-2.4%, 19
times out of 20.
About ADP Canada
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products,
premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to
reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management,
Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for people. For
more information about ADP Canada visit www.adp.ca or follow
us on Twitter @ADP_CDA.
SOURCE ADP Canada Co.