Compensation and work-life balance continue to be the two most important factors for Canadian workers when choosing an employer, while nearly one-quarter are considering changing jobs, according to Randstad Canada’s latest Employer Brand Research.
The annual survey found that 23 per cent of Canadian workers planned to change jobs at the time of the research, signalling continued mobility in the labour market despite economic uncertainty.
Gen Z workers showed the strongest intention to move, with 42 per cent considering a job change. Across all age groups, the most commonly cited reasons for looking elsewhere were compensation viewed as too low, a desire for better work-life balance and limited career growth opportunities.
“This year’s data reminds us that the foundation of the employer-employee relationship hasn’t fundamentally changed: workers want to be fairly compensated and able to live their lives outside of work,” said Marie-Eve Robitaille, division president, professional talent solutions at Randstad Canada. “What has changed is how quickly they act when they feel those needs aren’t being met.”
The findings show compensation and work-life balance are tied as the most important considerations for workers, each cited by 66 per cent of respondents. The importance of pay increases with age, ranging from 54 per cent among Gen Z workers to 77 per cent among baby boomers. Women were also more likely than men to rank compensation as a key priority.
Benefits that support lifestyle and well-being remain highly valued. About eight in 10 workers said flexibility, vacation time and health and wellness benefits are important when evaluating employers. Despite these expectations, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they believe their current employer performs well in supporting work-life balance.
The survey also found that motivations for changing jobs vary by demographic group. Digital and technology professionals were more likely to cite a lack of professional development opportunities, while older workers were more likely to focus on compensation.
Human interaction remains an important part of recruitment, despite growing reliance on technology and automation in hiring processes. More than two-thirds of respondents said in-person contact is important when evaluating job opportunities.
Personal referrals also continue to be an effective hiring tool. While fewer than one-third of candidates reported using referrals during a job search, nearly the same proportion ultimately found employment through those connections.
Social media remains a significant channel for job discovery as well. Randstad found that candidates often encounter job opportunities through social platforms even when they are not actively searching.
The research noted that employers looking to attract and retain talent may need to focus less on broad workplace trends and more on delivering competitive compensation, meaningful flexibility and clear career development opportunities.
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