Close to half of those under 35 years old want to change their job in 2014

The Randstad firm surveyed 2,076 Canadian employees and managers to find out their expectations about the job market in 2014. Marked by moderate optimism, the survey reveals that those under 35 years old are the most confident and 46.5% of them predict that they will be wanting to look for a new job during the year.

2013 ended on a bad note with 48,000 jobs lost in December. Despite everything, Canadian workers are beginning 2014 in a moderately optimistic frame of mind about the job market and the strength of the economy in general. According to the survey, 30% of respondents began the year with a higher level of confidence while 50% of them envisage the same prospects.

Women more concerned about mobility

According to the survey, one third of Canadians admit that they expect more difficulties finding a new job in 2014 and only one respondent in five thinks that it will be easier. Women are particularly concerned about mobility between two jobs since more than half feel that the difficulties in finding a new job will be the same. Among those who intend to have a change of scenery, young people under 35 years of age are well ahead (46.5%) compared to all workers (31%).

Marked differences between provinces and function levels

More of those under 35 years are likely to see an improvement in the situation (30.5%). Conversely, only 21.9% of respondents from 35 to 54 years old envisage more favourable prospects. The differences between provinces are also quite marked. Employees and managers from British Columbia (32%) and Alberta (35%) are significantly more confident in the economy and therefore the job market than the Atlantic provinces (22%) or Quebec (27%). Another noticeable trend: those in management or leadership positions are significantly more optimistic than their employees.

Employers and employees reciprocally expect more from each other

A majority of managers say that to contribute to their company’s success, employees should expect more demands in terms of productivity (65%), to obtain better results with budget levels that are similar or less than in 2013 (64%) and have to accomplish more new tasks in their daily work (61%). At the same time, workers also expect more investment from their employers. In order to contribute to work satisfaction, they should provide better financial incentives and compensation (45%), a better balance between work and private life (42%) and better opportunities for training and development (39%).

Given their perceptions of the opportunities and challenges that present themselves, job seekers, workers and employers should communicate their needs and requirements clearly to stimulate productivity, growth and engagement in the Canadian work environment, says Tom Turpin, president of Randstad Canada.