Two-thirds of employees say job changed their life: Survey

But 4 in 10 looking to change employers to find life-changing work

Most employed Canadians are emotionally connected to their work but a large pool of employees haven’t yet identified a career path they feel will lead to satisfaction at their current workplace — suggesting they could be a flight risk, according to a survey by Monster Canada.

Six in 10 (59 per cent) workers agreed with the statement “My job has a major impact on my life and how I feel.”

Only 37 per cent said “My job is just something I do to make ends meet. I look for fulfillment in other areas of my life," found the survey of 801 people.

“While it’s encouraging to see that many have found the job that changed their life, the numbers show that many others still have a desire to find better,” said Sheryl Boswell of Monster Canada. “Given how emotionally invested Canadians have told us they are in their work, finding a fulfilling job is paramount when it comes to overall happiness, and employers need to take note.”

Many Canadians have experienced a life-changing job, and the reasons are most likely to be non-financial:

•Two-thirds (67 per cent) agreed with the statement: “The job I have now changed my life” and six in 10(61 per cent) agreed with the statement “A previous job I held changed my life.”

•Close to nine out of 10 (86 per cent) said the job that changed their life identified new skills they possess and new things they are good at.

•Eight in 10 (80 per cent) said their life-changing job helped them determine what is meaningful to them and what increases their sense of self-worth.

•Financial improvements (70 per cent) and increased work-life balance (65 per cent) trailed.

Potential flight risks

Many working Canadians are still seeking more from their jobs, and among those still searching, the perception is that more money would make a significant difference:

•Four in 10 (39 per cent) agreed with the statement “I will have to change employers in order to find the job that will change my life.”

•Almost one-half (48 per cent) said being paid “significantly more” would make their job life-changing.

•Two in 10 (20 per cent) said more flexibility/work-life balance.

•Canadians also said personal fulfillment (19 per cent) and identifying new skills and new things they’re good at (13 per cent) would make their job life-changing.

“For employees, knowing what aspects of employment bring you joy or satisfaction should play an important role in any job search and it’s important to be honest with yourself,” said Boswell. “On the other hand, employers must also have effective talent acquisition and management strategies in place to seek out the best employees and help them hone their skills.”

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