Canadian workers take on longer hours and extra jobs but still fear layoffs and shrinking income
A new survey from The Harris Poll, commissioned by Express Employment Professionals, reveals that employed job seekers are grappling with rising economic anxiety, heavier workloads, and declining satisfaction in core areas of their jobs.
According to the report, 58 percent of employed job seekers said they had worked longer hours or more shifts over the past year, while 30 percent had taken on a second job to manage financial pressures.
Despite these added efforts, fears around job security persist.
A significant 41 percent expressed concern about not receiving the salary increase they feel they deserve, while 38 percent feared a slowdown in work opportunities due to broader economic conditions.
One-third (34 percent) worried their employer might reduce the workforce, and an equal proportion feared losing their job before finding a new one.
Another 26 percent were concerned about having their hours cut.
Concerns about technology and artificial intelligence are also gaining ground.
Nearly 1 in 4 job seekers (24 percent) said they fear these innovations may negatively impact their roles.
Generational breakdown: younger workers want raises, older ones fear layoffs
The poll highlights clear generational splits in workplace concerns. Gen Z reported the highest levels of worry over stagnant wages and unstable hours:
-
51 percent of Gen Z are concerned about not receiving raises, compared with 41 percent of millennials, 38 percent of Gen X, and 31 percent of boomers.
-
40 percent of Gen Z fear losing their job before securing a new one, higher than millennials (34 percent), Gen X (31 percent), and boomers (31 percent).
-
44 percent of Gen Z expressed concern over decreased hours, in contrast to 22 percent of millennials and Gen X, and 28 percent of boomers.
Older generations showed deeper concern about economic-driven job loss:
-
44 percent of boomers feared layoffs due to the economy, compared with 37 percent of millennials, 32 percent of Gen X, and just 20 percent of Gen Z.
Satisfaction gaps: what workers want vs. what they’re getting
The survey also found stark mismatches between what job seekers consider essential and their current satisfaction levels:
-
Work-life balance was ranked essential by 86 percent, but only 76 percent were satisfied with their current situation.
-
Salary was deemed essential by 83 percent, with only 62 percent satisfied.
-
Benefits were considered essential by 77 percent, but just 65 percent said they were satisfied.
-
Opportunity for advancement was identified as essential by 68 percent, while only 55 percent felt satisfied with those prospects.
The report stated that addressing these gaps could be a key strategy for employers to build loyalty, boost morale, and strengthen their workforce against ongoing economic uncertainties.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online in Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between November 21 and December 6, 2024, surveying 505 adults aged 18 and older.
