Workforce increasingly optimistic about hiring intentions, job security

Manitoba/Saskatchewan most hopeful about promotions: Survey

The Canadian workforce has grown increasingly optimistic about hiring intentions and job security over the last three years, according to a survey released by BMO.

Hiring intentions

More than one-half of employees (53 per cent) think the company they work for is growing and will be hiring more employees — up from 41 per cent in 2012 and 28 per cent in 2011.

"This increasing optimism among Canadian workers is very encouraging and is an accurate reflection of what we're hearing when speaking to our clients," said Steve Murphy, senior vice-president of BMO Commercial Banking. "With companies planning to invest in their employees and grow their workforce, new doors will open for increased productivity and expansion into new markets."

Atlantic

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba/Saskatchewan

Alberta

B.C.

54%

49%

57%

54%

58%

47%

Job security

The number of people who feel comfortable with their overall level of job security is up, from 51 per cent in 2011 and 64 per cent in 2012 to 81 per cent this year, found the survey of 1,005 people.

Atlantic

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba/Saskatchewan

Alberta

B.C.

77%

79%

80%

87%

84%

81%

"The unemployment rate continues to gradually decline, dipping to 7.2 per cent in the latest month versus 7.3 per cent at this time last year. While the improvement is modest, the job market is much healthier than three to four years ago when the rate temporarily moved above eight per cent," said Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Financial Group. "And while not much lower than the current U.S. rate of 7.4 per cent, other indicators suggest the Canadian job market overall is in considerably stronger shape than its U.S. counterpart."

Promotions

When it comes to expectations for the coming year, 50 per cent of workers expect to receive a promotion or a raise. This is up from 28 per cent in 2011 and 39 per cent in 2012.

Atlantic

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba/Saskatchewan

Alberta

B.C.

48%

48%

51%

55%

54%

45%

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