Canadian workers are more relaxed this year than in 2009 and the spectre of the dreaded pink slip has begun to recede, according to a new Monster.ca poll.
According to its second annual Labour Day poll, 57% of Canadians feel they have more job security today than they did a year ago when only 46% felt secure in their jobs.
“Canadians are feeling more secure and they like their jobs, although many are still a little uneasy about the economy,” said Peter Gilfillan, senior vice-president of international sales and general manager of recruiter Monster Canada.
But not all is rosy.
The survey found 46% of Canadians believe the nation will slide in to another recession in 2011 and the “fear factor” is highest in B.C. and Ontario where 52% of workers are concerned about another recession.
On another note, young employees say they are working harder than older or married colleagues.
The survey also found 69% of workers aged 18 to 24 believe they are more likely to be asked to work nights and weekends than married people, while married people say they do not feel their employers discriminate against younger workers.
“Work-life balance is becoming priority one for more Canadians,” said University of Toronto sociology professor John Kervin. “But there’s a price, and it seems young, single workers may be the ones paying it.”
The survey was conducted by research firm Harris/Decima and polled 1,008 Canadians, 539 of which were employed.