Canadians less concerned about job security: Survey

Employees in B.C., Alberta most likely to leave current employer

Canadians are less concerned about job security today than one year ago, according to a survey by Randstad.

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) reported competitive compensation and benefits as one of the top five most attractive elements when choosing an employer — compared to 61 per cent in 2012, when job security was the most important factor.

“Amid some fluctuations, job growth has steadily increased over the past 12 months, and this study reflects renewed confidence among employees, especially those with in-demand skills, to make up for lost time in terms of the bottom line,” says Jan Hein Bax, president of Randstad Canada. “Renewed confidence in the opportunities available in the job market means that organizations must deliver a work experience that is both financially and professionally rewarding to maintain an edge in attracting and retaining the best talent available.”

A pleasant working atmosphere also outranked job security, found the survey of more than 7,000 employees and jobseekers.

Employees also cited compensation and benefits as the most important factor when deciding to leave their current employer, suggesting more employees feel they are in control, said Randstad.

Nearly one in three employees (31.8 per cent) are likely to leave their current employer in the next two years, with workers from British Columbia (36.4 per cent), Alberta (36.1 per cent) and Ontario (34.3 per cent) the most likely to change employers between now and 2015, while those in New Brunswick (23.9 per cent) and Quebec (26 per cent) are the least likely to make a move.

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