©2022 Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. All rights reserved. 16
ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF STAFF
The Great Resignation occurring in the U.S. hasn't played out quite the same
way in Canada, but there is definitely a shift occurring. A recent RBC blog post
refers to Canada's experience as "The Great Redefinition."
4
It notes the number
of people remaining in the labour market is quite high and, as of November 2020,
the number of retirements had slowed. However, the article does highlight the fact
that the tide is turning in employees' favour and employers will need to ante up to
attract talent in the coming years.
This year's survey reveals that employers and employees universally agree that
ensuring employees' safety and wellbeing is key to attracting and retaining talent.
And 32% of employers—12 percentage points more than than last year—said that
being viewed as a more attractive employer is a key observed benefit of a good
health and safety program.
However, 43% of respondents indicate employee engagement is the biggest
barrier to implementing health and safety. The numbers are highest in the
Managing and Reactive categories. Turnover is second on the list at 38%, overall,
but in Reactive organizations, the number climbs to 45%. The results also show
that these barriers are felt most severely in the construction, manufacturing and
agriculture sectors.
PREVENTABLE EMPLOYEE LOSS
71% OF EMPLOYERS SAY THEY ARE LOSING/HAVE LOST EMPLOYEES TO
PREVENTABLE ISSUES. TOP REASONS EMPLOYERS THINK THEY ARE LOSING
EMPLOYEES: INCREASED WORKLOAD AND UNABLE TO COPE – MENTAL HEALTH;
TOOK EARLY RETIREMENT; PREFERRED TO STAY ON GOVERNMENT BENEFITS.
E.S.
Self
Rank*
E.S.
Other
Rank*
Increased workload
– mental health
21%
1 3
Took early retirement
20%
11 1
Preferred to stay
on govt benefits
20%
12 8
Found better job while
on temporary layoff
18%
5 5
Wanted more flexibility/
worklife balance
16%
2 1
Childcare reasons when
schools were closed
16%
6 7
Did not want to be vaccinated
15%
8 4
Increased workload
and wanted more pay
13%
2 5
Did not feel safe in
the work location
11%
6 9
Wanted to continue
to work from home
10%
4 1 0
* E.S. = Employee Survey
71%
