Canadians’ work and private lives are increasingly overlapping, according to survey results released this morning from Randstad’s latest Global Workmonitor survey.
The survey found that in Canada:
- 46% of Canadian workers handle private matters during their working hours;
- 51% handle work-related matters in private time;
- 44% receive work-related calls or emails when on holiday;
- 53% receive work-related calls or emails outside of work hours;
- 29% are expected to be available 24/7; and
- 43% feel they fall short if they don’t respond immediately.
Stacey Parker, executive vice-president of marketing for Randstad Canada, said that technology has merged work and personal lives. But she added that work-life conflict can become a serious problem that affects both employees and employers.
“Based on past research, which ranked what 7,000 of Canada’s job seekers were looking for in an employer, we have found that almost half of the respondents (48%) indicated having a good work-life balance as one of the most attractive qualities in a potential employer.”
Parker added that employers are becoming increasingly aware that overworking employees can have a negative impact on operating and productivity costs, attendance, punctuality, commitment and performance.
“Employers and employees should both take the initiative to take the necessary steps toward achieving a healthy balance between work and personal responsibilities,” she said, arguing that it leads to a win-win scenario with higher employee loyalty, productivity and overall happiness.
