Nearly seven in 10 managers report an increase in employee productivity over the past year, with significant contributions from improved staffing and training. However, this boost in output comes with concerns about longer work hours and the potential for employee burnout, according to new research from Robert Half Canada.
The survey, conducted in June 2024, gathered responses from over 1,800 hiring managers across various sectors, including finance, technology, marketing, and human resources. According to the findings, 68 per cent of managers observed higher productivity among their teams compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, 21 per cent reported no change, and 11 per cent noted a decline.
Key factors contributing to the rise in productivity include the hiring of full-time employees, enhancements in management practices, staff training, and the adoption of new technologies. Each of these factors was cited by 31 per cent of the managers surveyed. Additionally, 29 per cent credited emerging technologies, such as generative AI, for automating routine tasks and allowing workers to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Generational differences were also evident in the survey’s findings on technology adoption. Gen Z workers reported the highest gains in productivity due to AI, with 47 per cent stating that these technologies had made them more efficient. In contrast, only 14 per cent of baby boomers felt similarly.
Despite these positive trends, the survey also highlights a downside: an increase in work hours for many employees. Nearly 30 per cent of respondents said they are working longer hours than they did a year ago, with Gen Z and millennials leading this trend. Furthermore, more than half of managers (52 per cent) admitted to sending emails outside regular business hours, and 28 per cent expect responses before the next business day, raising concerns about work-life balance.
“Increased productivity is encouraging for businesses, but it must be balanced with a positive work environment,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, Senior Managing Director of Robert Half Canada. “While businesses benefit from improved staffing, technology, and training, they must also ensure that employees are not overworked, as this can lead to burnout and higher turnover rates.”
The survey also identified flexibility as a key driver of productivity. Over half of the workers surveyed (52 per cent) reported that hybrid work options boost their productivity, while 42 per cent said flexible work hours improve their engagement. Additionally, 27 per cent noted that compressed workweeks, such as Summer Fridays, enhance their productivity.
