Canadian HR Reporter

November 2020 CAN

Canadian HR Reporter is the national journal of human resource management. It features the latest workplace news, HR best practices, employment law commentary and tools and tips for employers to get the most out of their workforce.

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E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor: Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor: Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor: John Dujay Production Editor: Patricia Cancilla Contributors: Louise Taylor Green Laura Williams CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer: Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer: George Walmsley President: Tim Duce Chief Information Officer: Colin Chan Human Resources Manager: Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager: Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales: John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer: Ace Dequina Production Coordinator: Kim Kandravy Client Success Coordinator: Kshipra Dhindaw MARKETING AND CIRCULATION NAUK Subscriptions Coordinator: Donnabel Reyes Marketing Coordinator: Charlyn Macaraeg Global Head of Media Marketing: Adrijana Monevska ISSUE 33.10.2020 www.hrreporter.com Flex work preferences shouldn't be ignored THERE have been several surveys looking into the preferences of workers as they struggle through and adapt to the working world amid the COVID-19 crisis. And, of course, a big trend that's emerged is the preference for flexible work, meaning location and hours. Why? People are worried about their health and their family, but they're also discovering that they enjoy the work-from-home setup. An arduous commute is no longer an issue, and expenses often go down when it comes to at-work indulgences such as lunches out or retail "therapy." Yes, there are the extroverts who are missing the energy and comradery of their co-workers at the office, but many have adapted through the use of video calls and online chats, and the in-person element will never disappear. Those preferences were backed by a survey in early September that found that nearly half (45 per cent) of working Canadians would prefer to work remotely at least three times a week. That's a sizeable number. Broken down, the younger generation is particularly drawn to remote work: Sixty-one per cent of those aged 18 to 34 say they prefer to work remotely at least three days a week, compared to 43 per cent of those aged 35 and up. And more than a quarter of all workers say they would prefer flexible hours, according to the ADP Canada survey. "It's clear that employees want to choose how and when they work," says Heather Haslam, vice president of marketing at ADP Canada. Does that mean employers should relocate to smaller offices to accommodate the rotating staff taking up less space? How would they manage staff meetings or all-employee training? What about meetups with clients and customers? The scheduling challenges are daunting, along with other issues such as corporate culture and performance management. But employers that embrace flexibility "may improve employee engagement, retention and performance," says Haslam — and there's the rub. While adopting a fully remote or much more remote workplace will mean a major upheaval for many employers, they may just have to go that route if they want to attract and hold on to star performers. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group While adopting a more remote workplace will mean a major upheaval for many employers, they may just have to go that route. Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2020 HAB Press Limited and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. HAB Press Limited disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 70318 4911 RT0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under license by HAB Press Limited. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of HAB Press Limited. 20 Duncan St. 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON. M5H 3G8 www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $175 plus tax; US and International: $175 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 2020-04-24 9:30 AM 2020-04-24 9:30 AM

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