But workers rank work-life balance as most important aspect of work; salary comes sixth
Quebec workers are optimistic about salary increases for the coming year, according to a new survey. But they're expectations may not be realistic.
The survey of 1,001 Quebecers, done on behalf of the Quebec HR association, the Ordre des CRHA et des CRIA du Québec (ORHRI), found workers expect salary increases of four per cent next year.
However, a study conducted among employers in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada by nine compensation consulting firms found employers are only planning on increases of an average of 3.3 per cent in 2007.
Workers' expectations
Last year, Quebec workers anticipated a 3.1 per cent increase and actually received 3.4 per cent on average.
Of those interviewed, 25 per cent said their salary hadn't increased in 2006 and 15 per cent don't expect any change in 2007.
Salary not a priority for workers
The poll also found that only one worker out of five (20 per cent) considered salary to be one of the most important aspects the job. Respondents were asked to rank nine aspects in all.
At 20 per cent, salary came in sixth, trailing work-life balance (which ranked first for 36 per cent of respondents), the possibility of fulfilling their creative potential (33 per cent), autonomy (27 per cent), employer recognition (24 per cent) and job security (21 per cent), but ahead of potential career advancement (15 per cent), benefits (13 per cent) and the possibility of working at home (5 per cent).
Most respondents (58 per cent) disagreed with the statement, “I consider work as a source of income, not a place to get personal satisfaction.”
“These results speak for themselves. We often rely on financial incentives when we're looking for a way to motivate people and create employee loyalty. Of course salary can be an attraction, but if employees aren't happy, if they don't share the company's values, they won't stay, even if it means accepting lower pay with another employer,” said Alain Desgagné, president of the board of the Ordre.
Employers' projection of 3.3 per cent increases is the highest in five years, although it's still lower than the 3.5 per cent anticipated for Canada as a whole.
“This difference is likely due to the fact that data from the West raises the Canadian average. The Western provinces top the list with an average anticipated increase of 3.8 per cent and it's not hard to guess why,” said Desgagné.
The survey of 1,001 Quebecers, done on behalf of the Quebec HR association, the Ordre des CRHA et des CRIA du Québec (ORHRI), found workers expect salary increases of four per cent next year.
However, a study conducted among employers in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada by nine compensation consulting firms found employers are only planning on increases of an average of 3.3 per cent in 2007.
Workers' expectations
Last year, Quebec workers anticipated a 3.1 per cent increase and actually received 3.4 per cent on average.
Of those interviewed, 25 per cent said their salary hadn't increased in 2006 and 15 per cent don't expect any change in 2007.
Salary not a priority for workers
The poll also found that only one worker out of five (20 per cent) considered salary to be one of the most important aspects the job. Respondents were asked to rank nine aspects in all.
At 20 per cent, salary came in sixth, trailing work-life balance (which ranked first for 36 per cent of respondents), the possibility of fulfilling their creative potential (33 per cent), autonomy (27 per cent), employer recognition (24 per cent) and job security (21 per cent), but ahead of potential career advancement (15 per cent), benefits (13 per cent) and the possibility of working at home (5 per cent).
Most respondents (58 per cent) disagreed with the statement, “I consider work as a source of income, not a place to get personal satisfaction.”
“These results speak for themselves. We often rely on financial incentives when we're looking for a way to motivate people and create employee loyalty. Of course salary can be an attraction, but if employees aren't happy, if they don't share the company's values, they won't stay, even if it means accepting lower pay with another employer,” said Alain Desgagné, president of the board of the Ordre.
Employers' projection of 3.3 per cent increases is the highest in five years, although it's still lower than the 3.5 per cent anticipated for Canada as a whole.
“This difference is likely due to the fact that data from the West raises the Canadian average. The Western provinces top the list with an average anticipated increase of 3.8 per cent and it's not hard to guess why,” said Desgagné.
