A report from Aviva Canada shows more Canadians are seeing the benefits of a hybrid work model.
The 2023 How We Live Report heard from hybrid workers who said they were enjoying the collaboration and social benefits of time spent with colleagues in the office. The new report also pointed out economic concerns seem to have put a damper on the great resignation trend.
Aviva found fewer Canadians are now working from home permanently at 19 per cent, compared to 27 per cent in 2022. However, more people are working hybrid a few days each week, at 29 per cent currently compared to 25 per cent a year ago. Also, more Canadians say they are appreciating the ability to balance work and home priorities without compromising work culture.
One of the most revealing findings relates to how Canadians say they are enjoying the time they do spend in their workplace office, as 25 per cent said they enjoy the collaborative environment of the office, and 21 per cent agreed they favour the social atmosphere of their offices. Another 15 per cent said they were able to juggle work and home priorities more easily because of greater flexibility, up from 9 per cent who felt that way in 2022
The study also found that the great resignation trends may be easing as employees think ahead and opt for safety and stability as economic uncertainty continues. 18 per cent of Canadians say they are stressed about inflation and a possible recession. The survey showed 13 per cent are concerned about layoffs and economic conditions, the job market, and pay raises or promotions.
"It's great to see the social benefits of hybrid work bringing enthusiasm back to office days, but it's still very much a world of contradiction as people try to embrace the social benefits while managing commuting frustrations and their growing concern over the impact of the current economic outlook. Cost of living and inflation worry is a sentiment widely expressed throughout this year's report, reflecting how economic doubts have lingered post COVID, impacting Canadian decisions from housing to activities to leisure activities and even their decision to perhaps remain in their current roles," said Susan Penwarden, Managing Director, Personal Lines, at Aviva Canada.
