Despite benefits, many employees stressed about layoffs: survey
More Canadians are seeing the benefits of a hybrid work model, judging by a recent survey.
Fewer people are now working from home permanently (19%) than was the case in 2022 (27%).
However, more people are working hybrid a few days each week, at 29 per cent compared to 25 per cent a year ago, finds the survey by Aviva.
Also, more Canadians say they appreciate the ability to balance work and home priorities without compromising work culture, as 15% said they were able to juggle work and home priorities more easily because of greater flexibility — up from 9% who felt that way in 2022.
And when it comes to the time spent at the office, 25% said they enjoy the collaborative environment while 21% appreciate the social atmosphere, finds Aviva’s survey of 2,500 Canadians
Benefits to office work
However, amid economic uncertainty, the mental health of Canadians is of concern, according to the Aviva report, as:
- 18% are stressed about inflation and a possible recession
- 13% are concerned about layoffs and economic conditions
- 13% are worried that poor economic conditions could impact their pay raises or promotions
- 13% are concerned about their ability to find a new job should they lose their current one
"It's great to see the social benefits of hybrid work bringing enthusiasm back to office days, but it's still very much a world of contradiction as people try to embrace the social benefits while managing commuting frustrations and their growing concern over the impact of the current economic outlook,” says Susan Penwarden, managing director, personal lives, at Aviva Canada.
“Cost of living and inflation worry is a sentiment widely expressed throughout this year's report, reflecting how economic doubts have lingered post Covid, impacting Canadian decisions from housing to activities to leisure activities and even their decision to perhaps remain in their current roles.”
