Canadian employees are demanding more than just competitive pay from their employers, with salary dropping from the top spot as a workplace motivator for the first time in the history of a major annual survey.
The latest Workmonitor survey by Randstad found that workers now prioritize personalization, belonging and professional development over traditional financial incentives as they seek jobs that align with their values and lifestyle.
Values alignment becomes deal-breaker
Nearly half of survey respondents said they would reject a job offer if the company’s values didn’t match their personal beliefs. The survey found 44 per cent of workers would turn down employment opportunities based on values misalignment alone.
“Offering a job is no longer enough. Employers must offer meaning,” according to the survey findings released by Randstad Canada.
The research highlights a shift in employee expectations, with flexibility, work-life balance and internal growth opportunities now considered basic requirements rather than workplace perks.
Workplace community drives performance
The survey revealed that 89 per cent of respondents want their workplace to feel more like a community, while 86 per cent said they perform better when they feel they belong at work.
Toxic workplace environments are driving employees away, with 42 per cent of respondents saying they have already quit jobs due to unhealthy work conditions.
Skills development becomes priority
Professional development opportunities have emerged as another key factor in job decisions, with 39 per cent of survey participants saying they might refuse positions that offer no advancement or learning opportunities.
Workers are particularly interested in training related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, as well as opportunities for professional reskilling to remain competitive in the changing job market.
The survey findings reflect broader changes in the labour market as employers compete for talent amid economic shifts and evolving worker priorities.
Randstad describes itself as the world’s largest talent company, employing 46,000 people globally and working with clients to build diverse workforces.
