…And What Employers Can Do to Get on Board.
Canada has some of the highest workplace satisfaction rates around. We don’t need to tell you that the country has become the place to build a dream career for people from all over the world. Why? Part of the reason may lie in a culture of respect for employees, and in robust legislation supporting the rights of workers. But there’s more to the story, so let’s take a look.
Successful industries tend to be those with a positive work culture, and often one that prioritizes things like work-life balance over simple profits. Great companies see employees as whole people, and do what they can to boost workplace satisfaction. The result, of course, is top-level productivity.
Added to this is the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic has created a seismic shift in Canada’s workplace culture. Right now there are great opportunities to do the work we love in new and creative ways. It’s no secret that many businesses and workers have used the pandemic as a fulcrum for change. In fact, almost one-quarter of Canadians report using the pandemic as inspiration for a career change.
And remember the labour shortage? More than ever, employers have to prioritize a great work environment to attract skilled workers. After all, these same workers are looking to build their dream careers. So in this shifting environment, what exactly is the Canadian workforce searching for?
Feeling Looked After at Work
The power of an organizational culture focused on keeping workers happy is unmatched. When workers are treated with consideration, and feel valued as members of a team, they have the motivation not only get tasks done, but to do them really well.
A study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School that tracked 1800 workers over several weeks found that feelings of happiness at work boosted productivity rates up to 13%. When considered on a company-wide basis, this number is massive.
It all sounds so simple, doesn’t it? However, the truth is that creating a positive workplace culture is more complicated than simply offering a flexible work schedule, or giving an extra holiday per year. Hubspot has done the work to find out what it takes, and they’ve listed the three golden rules of worker happiness: autonomy, purpose, and mastery.
Interesting Opportunities
Employers who have faith in the abilities of their workers will see far better results than those who look over every task with an eagle eye. Micromanagement should be a thing of the past, and instead, managers should encourage workers to thrive independently, and become masters of their trade.
Ever think of the opportunity cost of micromanagement? So why not provide training opportunities instead? Offering exciting opportunities to encourage skill-building and personal development helps people feel more accomplished in their roles, and highly trained employees are a clear asset to any company. Managers can get on with what they should be doing, rather than spending time looking over shoulders.
The Workforce Development Canada Agreements offer diverse skills training and work experience opportunities for people to train in their current positions, or even change careers. When a person enjoys their work and has the skills to thrive doing it, job satisfaction thrives.
And hey, that’s where Palette Skills comes in.
By upskilling Canadians to thrive in rapidly expanding sectors like B2B tech sales, cybersecurity, and digital agriculture, Palette Skills prepares people for careers they will love. We make switching jobs a breeze by connecting employers with trained and vetted workers.
Healthy Workplace Month
Every October, Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month shares information on the importance of a positive workplace culture. The initiative offers politicians, policymakers, business, and workers a chance to think about successes and challenges faced by employees. These challenges can include things like racism and harassment.
Mark it your calendars, and take advantage of online seminars, interactive activities, and panel discussions that offer free insight on how to build a healthy workplace. Remember that a positive work culture begins when employers prioritize personal growth, learning, and inclusivity. This creates a powerful knock-on effect that makes workers feel seen and valued, boosting happiness in the workplace and, in turn, productivity.
Making the Change
If you feel satisfied in your current job position, but are also ready for a change—you are not alone. As more and more workers think outside the traditional office box, they are starting to see that a career change is well within reach.
The truth is that right now, there is no reason to stay in a job that doesn’t fulfill your needs, or put your mental health first. Younger and talented workers no longer believe that they should be tied down in one industry, or to one employer. Your workplace can be a part of a movement that’s centered on reclaiming autonomy, on building skills, and respecting a great work-life balance.
Do You Go the Extra Mile?
When you think about it, your employees show up every day, rain or shine, and keep the wheels and cogs of your business turning. So putting time and resources into building a healthy workplace is not only good for your business, it’s better for you, too.
Learn more about your company culture by taking this quiz by Leadership IQ. It outlines the four main types of organizational culture in the today’s workplace, ones that work though collaboration, through competition, by creativity, or via logic.
Discovering whether your workplace culture is social, enterprising, dependable, or hierarchical can help you find ways to adapt—and transform. Being a part of a healthy team means finding a balance between giving and getting. And if you sense your workplace offers only a one-sided relationship, now might be the time to move on.
The Future of the Canadian Workplace
Whether you are the head of a large corporation, or part of a lean start-up team, it’s important to ask yourself how you can be involved as the Canadian workplace continues to change and grow. In the end, it seems that building better workplaces is a no-brainer. Take advantage of the countless training programs that are available, and make sure your organization reaps the rewards of human-centred work environments. Be a part of creating a positive workplace culture you can be proud of, and harness every opportunity for upskilling and learning. When you are open to change, transformation is everywhere.
At Palette Skills, we are leading the change by building inclusive opportunities for all, while supporting innovative business at the same time. Check out our webpage for more resources on building the great Canadian workplace.
