26 Aug 5 Qualities Canadian Employees are Expecting from their Employers
Over the past years, we have experienced a massive cultural shift. There have been many defining moments that have all influenced the professional world, but COVID-19 was one of the key drivers in transforming workers’ expectations. The pandemic really forced all of us to reflect on our lives and what is truly important to us. For employees, it has created an opportunity to set boundaries and establish what they need from employers for years to come.
5 qualities employees are expecting from their employers:
Flexible working conditions. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, flexibility has become the most popular demand over the past three years. Experiencing lockdowns and life without work seriously impacted people’s perspectives. Every worker was impacted differently – but one of the major learning curves was that time could be spent doing the things we love, having more time with family, and having more time for ourselves.
Employees are asking for a new schedule, one that is predominately virtual and that dethrones the regular 9-5 work week. Employees are starting to understand the value of working to live instead of living to work. They have been reminded that life is short, and that these demands are extremely attainable.
Improving hybrid working conditions. Hybrid working conditions have become a normal scheduling system for many businesses. Now that more hybrid schedules are implemented, employees are insisting on some key areas of improvement.
As businesses have hired more employees from different areas and time zones because of the virtual nature of their schedule, there is a request for a more structured approach to this scheduling system. Employees are demanding a structure that is consistent across the company and offered to all employees. They are requesting that consistency is prioritized so they can establish a routine that works best for them.
Properly planning for artificial intelligence. Employees have been worried their jobs will be dominated by artificial intelligence. Especially with the recent creation of ChatGPT, employees are wondering if their skills will continue to add value. Employers should implement artificial intelligence as a way of assisting their employees, not employing these systems to take over their jobs.
Opportunity to advance. Employees are becoming more particular about entering a workplace that offers a future or support in their career path. As “quiet quitting” (employees completing only the necessary tasks to get by and not lose their jobs) has become common among employees, implementing training and professional development could spark more engagement at work. Employees want their employers to be encouraging and understanding that they don’t want to feel stagnant in one position. They want employers to realize their potential and offer opportunities to develop for more advanced positions.
Pay raise. There has never been an employee not looking for a pay raise; however, it has become more of a necessity now that inflation has dramatically increased. The cost of living continues to rise, and as minimum wage has also increased to match the current trend, other employees are also anticipating further compensation.
If you are an employer who needs to alter policies or agreements to respond to these recent trends, please contact KCY at LAW by filling in an online consultation request or contact us by phone at 905-639-0999 to book your consultation today.