Major employee-employer disconnect on remote work and AI: Survey

It’s no secret that the modern work landscape has undergone significant changes, but recent findings from the EY 2023 Work Reimagined Survey suggest that employers and employees may be viewing this landscape from starkly different vantage points.

Here’s a deep dive into the evolving Canadian work culture and why employers might be underestimating the fluidity of the labor market.

1. Potential exodus and misunderstanding of priorities

A startling revelation from the EY survey indicates that a quarter of Canadian employees are thinking about quitting within the next year. This intent is most pronounced among the Gen Z and millennial populations.

While employers seem laser-focused on attracting (36%) and retaining (32%) talent, they may be miscalculating the factors that influence these decisions. A notable 57% of employers believe that a sluggish economic growth reduces an employee’s intent to quit, yet a lesser proportion of employees agree with this sentiment.

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2. Divide on remote work preferences

Work flexibility has become synonymous with modern work culture. With 45% of traditionally office-based employees expressing a preference for full-time remote positions, the appeal is clear.

However, there’s a gaping chasm between employee aspirations and employer offerings. Despite the push for remote work, a significant 56% of employers envision their workforce being present in the office for at least two to three days weekly.

“That divide needs to be addressed with considerations around how businesses reshape the in-office experience,” says Darryl Wright, Partner, People Advisory Services at EY Canada.

Learn more about employee rights when employers end remote work and recall staff in provinces like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

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3. Compensation remains at the forefront

While employers are banking on flexibility as a trump card for attracting talent, they might be overlooking the elephant in the room: compensation.

With the spectre of inflation looming, 40% of Canadian employees cite pay as a primary concern. Yet, this concern only ranks third for employers.

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4. GenAI: Opportunity or overlooked priority?

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is undoubtedly shaping the future of work. The promise it holds is acknowledged by both employers and employees.

With 84% of employers either utilizing or intending to employ GenAI within the next year, its significance can’t be overstated. However, a glaring discrepancy exists: only 22% of employers intend to offer training in GenAI-related skills. This disconnect underscores the rift between what employers offer and what employees expect.

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“Technology won’t completely upend the structural talent issues facing employers, but to fully benefit from new tools, the workforce needs to be trained and empowered to reimagine work in a way that embraces new capabilities and still keeps humans at the center,” says Wright.

Lost your job? Speak with an employment lawyer

If you are fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately.

Our lawyers for Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

We can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.