Modern work perks include more meaning and flexibility
By Adam Freill
LabourThe “Great Resignation” has given way to the “Great Re-evaluation.” Employee expectations are evolving.
In the new world of work in Canada, the job perks that employees once valued have changed, says a new survey from digital workflow firm ServiceNow. Traditional, pre-COVID workplace policies and compensation are not enough to attract and retain talent, forcing employers to quickly reassess the employee experience within their companies.
Results from the ServiceNow New World of Work Study reveal that in the bid for talent, high salaries are not enough to mitigate frustrating work. Nearly three in four respondents said they would never take a job that is frustrating or unrewarding, even if the pay was higher.
“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 of ServiceNow Canada. “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.”
The top reasons Canadian workers would consider leaving their job include increased burnout (32%), increased work hours (28%), difficulty unplugging (27%) and challenges communicating with colleagues (24%).
With the increase in technology spending among enterprises over the pandemic, McKinsey found that looking ahead, top economic performers are planning to double-down on tech as a differentiator. Canadian employees agree as two in three (67%) want their employers to invest more in advanced technologies like AI that will enable staff to get menial tasks done more efficiently, leaving more time for meaningful work.
“Employers have to find ways to reduce the low value work,” said LeCuyer. “Using digital tools can fill the gap to make everyday 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.”
